3 days in a well… and he walks out alive in Udupi

3 days in a well… and he walks out alive in Udupi

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, Apr 6, 2026: In a near-miraculous incident, a 62-year-old man who accidentally fell into a well and remained trapped for three days was rescued alive at Kambalakatte in Adi Udupi.

The man, identified as Srinivasa Acharya, a resident of Kambalakatte, survived inside a 20-foot-deep water-filled well for three days before being rescued.

According to sources, Srinivasa, who lives alone, had suffered from health issues about two months ago but had recovered.

On Saturday evening, he was attempting to pull up a rope tied to the foot valve pipe of a pump in the well located in front of his house. The well, about 10 feet wide and 20 feet deep, had accumulated garbage, affecting water flow.

During the attempt, the rope snapped, causing him to lose balance and fall into the well.

Despite being partially submerged, he managed to stay alive by holding on to the pipe and rope inside the well. He kept shouting for help, but his cries went unheard.

Gas cylinder delay leads to rescue

The incident came to light due to a delay in gas cylinder delivery.

Srinivasa had earlier borrowed a gas cylinder from an acquaintance, Ganesh, as his own booked cylinder had not arrived. When Ganesh later asked for it back, Srinivasa said he would return it once his cylinder was delivered.

After three to four days, Ganesh contacted the gas agency and requested immediate delivery. When staff visited Srinivasa’s house, they informed Ganesh that he had not been seen for the past two days.

Suspicious, Ganesh contacted tenants living in his rented house about 90 metres away and asked them to check on Srinivasa.

While searching the premises, they looked into the well and found him inside, exhausted and clinging to the rope and pipe after being trapped for three days.

Local residents placed a ladder into the well and asked him to climb up, but he was too weak after being without food for days.

The fire and emergency services were then alerted.

Fire personnel carry out rescue

Firefighters Satish, Ashwin Sanil, driver Bharat N., and personnel Ganesh Vetal and Mahantesh rushed to the spot.

With the help of locals, they entered the well and safely rescued Srinivasa Acharya.

He was initially admitted to a private hospital and later shifted to the district hospital for further treatment.

Officials said he is recovering well and is expected to return home on Monday.