Pune: Porter Dies Before Ambulance Arrives; Body Lies at Market Yard For 3 Hours

Pune, 20th October 2026: Allegations of a delayed ambulance response, both before and after a porter’s death, have put emergency medical services at Gultekdi Market Yard under scrutiny. The man, who complained of severe abdominal pain, died outside the Jai Sharda Gajanan temple on Monday morning before he could be taken to a hospital. His body reportedly remained at the spot for nearly three hours.

According to locals and people working at the market yard, an ambulance was called after doctors at a health camp examined the man and advised immediate hospitalisation. However, it allegedly failed to reach the spot in time. The man died around 11am, triggering questions over the availability and response time of emergency services at the busy wholesale market.

Those present at the site alleged that even after his death, the body remained there for hours. An ambulance summoned through the emergency helpline reportedly arrived but could not transport the body, following which another ambulance was called leading to the delay of nearly three hours.

Police said the deceased was a porter and his identity was established with the help of another porter.

The incident has renewed demands for a dedicated ambulance at the market yard. In October 2025, a similar incident involving the alleged non-availability of an ambulance had resulted in the death of another porter at the premises.

Market committee director Santosh Nangare has urged the administration to provide a dedicated ambulance at the main market yard, citing the heavy footfall and the possibility of medical emergencies.

Nitin Chaure, head of the fruits and vegetables department, said a report on Monday’s incident had been submitted to the market committee secretary and chairman. The report highlighted the need for a separate ambulance for the market administration, he said, adding that the board of directors was positive about the proposal.