A heartbreaking incident unfolded in Vasai, where two teenage boys, Naseem Choudhary (13) and Sophan Chavan (14), drowned while swimming in a rainwater-filled quarry. The tragic event occurred on Thursday afternoon, and the Valiv police have registered it as a case of accidental death. What was meant to be a fun outing for a group of friends quickly turned into a devastating loss for their families and the community.
A Day That Took a Tragic Turn
The two boys, along with three of their friends, all residents of Prahlad Chawl in Dhaniv Baug, Nalasopara (East), set out to visit the quarry, which was located around two kilometers away in Navjeevan, Vasai (East). It was around 3 pm when the group arrived at the site, unaware of the dangers lurking beneath the seemingly calm surface of the rainwater-filled quarry.
Quarries like the one they visited have become a common sight in Vasai, especially during the monsoon season when heavy rainfall fills them with water. These quarries, though illegal, often draw young people looking for a place to cool off, despite the lack of safety measures. For Choudhary and Chavan, the water’s depth and the hidden dangers beneath the surface would prove to be fatal.
The Moment of Panic
As the teens entered the water, it became apparent that the situation was far more dangerous than they had anticipated. Naseem Choudhary and Sophan Chavan, who had basic swimming skills, misjudged the depth of the quarry and the strength of the water current. The quarry, filled with rainwater from days of heavy rainfall, was far more treacherous than they realized. While the other three friends managed to safely exit the water, Choudhary and Chavan were not as fortunate.
Panic set in as the two boys struggled in the water. The remaining three friends, realizing what was happening, began to scream for help. Their cries alerted nearby residents, who rushed to the scene in an attempt to rescue the boys. In a desperate effort, the locals managed to pull both Choudhary and Chavan from the water and immediately transported them to a nearby hospital. However, despite their efforts, it was too late. Both boys were declared dead upon arrival.
A Community in Mourning
The tragic deaths of Naseem Choudhary and Sophan Chavan have left the community in mourning. Both boys were beloved by their families and friends, and their sudden passing has shaken the residents of Prahlad Chawl and beyond. The loss of such young lives is always difficult to comprehend, and in this case, it has left many questioning how such a tragedy could have been prevented.
Local residents have expressed their concerns about the lack of safety measures and warning signs around the numerous quarries in the area. The quarry where the incident took place, like many others in the Navjeevan locality, is illegal and unmonitored. These quarries are a known danger, especially during the monsoon season when they fill up with rainwater. Despite this, there are no barriers or signs to warn people of the risks, making them a tempting but deadly destination for those seeking a place to swim or play.
“These quarries are death traps,” one resident commented. “There are no warning signs, no fences, nothing to stop kids from going in. This isn’t the first time something like this has happened, and it won’t be the last unless something is done.”
The Dangers of Unregulated Quarries
Illegal quarries, such as the one in Navjeevan, are not uncommon in the Vasai region. These open pits are created during the extraction of materials such as stone or sand, and once the extraction process is complete, they are often abandoned. Over time, rainwater accumulates in these pits, creating what appears to be a calm, inviting body of water. However, beneath the surface, the water is often much deeper than it appears, and there may be hidden dangers such as strong currents, sharp rocks, or sudden drop-offs. For those unfamiliar with the area or the quarry’s characteristics, the water can be deceptively dangerous.
In this case, both Choudhary and Chavan had some swimming ability, according to the police. However, even with basic swimming skills, they were unable to navigate the unexpectedly strong current and the depth of the water, leading to their tragic drowning. It’s a stark reminder that swimming in unmonitored bodies of water, especially those created by quarries, is inherently dangerous, even for those who are confident in their swimming abilities.
Calls for Action
In the wake of the tragedy, there have been growing calls for local authorities to take action. Residents are demanding that measures be put in place to prevent further incidents like this one. Suggestions include installing warning signs, fencing off the quarries, and filling in the pits to eliminate the danger altogether. Many feel that the lack of regulation and enforcement regarding these quarries is a contributing factor to the ongoing risk they pose to the community, particularly to young people.
“We can’t let this happen again,” another local said. “These boys should not have died. The authorities need to step in and take responsibility. There should be barriers, warning signs, anything to stop people from going near these dangerous places.”
The Valiv police have confirmed that they are investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Choudhary and Chavan. While the case has been registered as an accidental death, the incident has highlighted the urgent need for greater oversight and regulation of the many quarries in the region.
A Heartbreaking Loss
For the families of Naseem Choudhary and Sophan Chavan, no amount of regulation or action can bring their sons back. The sudden loss of two young lives has left a void that can never be filled. Their friends, who witnessed the tragedy firsthand, are undoubtedly grappling with feelings of shock, guilt, and grief. The community, too, is mourning the loss of two boys who had their whole lives ahead of them.
As the investigation continues, many are hoping that this devastating event will serve as a wake-up call for the authorities. While nothing can undo the tragedy that has already occurred, taking steps to ensure that these quarries are no longer a danger to the public could prevent future incidents and save lives.
In the meantime, the families and friends of Naseem Choudhary and Sophan Chavan are left to mourn, as the Vasai community rallies together in the aftermath of this unimaginable loss.
