Delhi Tragedy: 3 AC Mechanics Die in Dakshinpuri House, Gas Leak Suspected

New Delhi, July 5, 2025 — In a shocking incident that has sent ripples through South Delhi, three air conditioner (AC) mechanics were found dead and one critically injured inside a house in Dakshinpuri on Friday. The Delhi Police and forensic teams suspect a possible gas leak from AC repair work as the primary cause of the fatalities.

Tragic Discovery During Routine Maintenance

According to Delhi Police officials, the deceased were part of a team that had been contracted to repair an AC unit in a private residence located in Dakshinpuri’s H Block. Neighbors alerted the authorities after noticing no activity from the premises for several hours and a strong odor emanating from the house. Upon breaking into the house, emergency personnel discovered the bodies of three men and one individual in a semi-conscious state.

The deceased have been identified as Ramesh Kumar (34), Anil Sharma (29), and Vijay Pal (41). The fourth individual, Deepak (26), was rushed to Safdarjung Hospital and remains in critical condition.

Early Investigation Points to Freon Gas Exposure

Police sources said preliminary investigations and evidence from the scene indicate the possible inhalation of Freon gas, a refrigerant commonly used in AC systems. The gas is known to be highly toxic in enclosed spaces and can cause suffocation or cardiac issues if exposure levels are high.

“We believe the workers may have been repairing or refilling the AC unit when a leak occurred,” said DCP (South Delhi) Rituraj Singh. “The room where the incident happened was sealed shut, with no ventilation. The exposure to refrigerant gas over an extended period likely led to asphyxiation.”

A senior official from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) who visited the site stated, “The pungent chemical odor was still present when we arrived. We’re collecting air samples and chemical residues from the AC unit for a detailed report.”

Safety Lapses and Possible Negligence

The incident has raised serious questions about occupational safety standards and the regulation of independent AC mechanics and technicians in Delhi. Industry experts note that many such technicians work without proper equipment or safety training, particularly during peak summer months when demand for cooling appliances surges.

“There is little to no enforcement of safety standards for small repair units. Many of them handle highly pressurized and toxic substances without masks, leak detectors, or ventilation,” said Rajiv Bhatnagar, a certified HVAC consultant based in Delhi. “This tragedy is a grim reminder that lack of training and oversight can cost lives.”

The Delhi government’s labor department has also taken note of the incident, with an official saying an inquiry will be launched to assess whether the technicians were operating with the required licenses and certifications.

Family Members Devastated, Demand Accountability

Family members of the deceased have expressed anguish and demanded strict action against the contractor who arranged the repair work. “My brother Ramesh was the only earning member of the family. He went out in the morning and never came back,” said Mahesh Kumar, the elder sibling of one of the deceased. “We want justice. Someone must be held accountable.”

Locals have also called for better safety protocols and raised concerns over the working conditions of technicians, who often carry out dangerous repair tasks in tight, enclosed spaces.

Broader Implications for the Informal Labor Sector

This incident sheds light on the broader challenges faced by India’s large informal labor sector, particularly in cities like Delhi where unregistered service workers form the backbone of essential urban utilities like plumbing, electrical work, and HVAC services.

According to a 2023 report by NITI Aayog, over 92% of India’s workforce is informal, with limited access to safety training, health insurance, or regulatory protection. “While India is pushing for formalization through digitization and labor reforms, tragedies like this reflect how vulnerable the vast informal workforce remains,” says labor economist Dr. Meena Joshi.

Market Outlook and Industry Regulation

The AC repair and servicing market in India, currently valued at over ₹8,500 crore, is expected to grow with rising urbanization and climate-related heatwaves. However, a lack of standardized training and regulatory oversight remains a concern for investors and industry stakeholders.

“This is an opportune moment for policymakers and industry associations to enforce skill certification, introduce mandatory safety gear norms, and promote insurance-backed gig work models,” said Manan Desai, an analyst at HDFC Securities. “The tragedy may act as a catalyst for revisiting compliance regulations in India's technical services sector.”

Government Response and the Road Ahead

In a late-night statement, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal expressed grief over the incident and assured that the government would extend support to the families. “We are deeply saddened by this loss of life. We will ensure a thorough probe and also review current safety protocols for such technical services,” he said.

The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has been asked to conduct a sectoral risk audit of HVAC servicing operations across the city.

For now, the families of the deceased await answers—and perhaps policy reforms that will ensure this tragic episode isn’t repeated elsewhere.