A porter died at Pune’s Gultekdi Market Yard on Monday morning after an ambulance allegedly failed to arrive in time, while his body reportedly remained near the Jai Sharda Gajanan temple for nearly three hours, according to local workers and people present at the site.
The man had complained of severe abdominal pain and was examined by doctors at a health camp operating at the market yard. The doctors reportedly advised immediate hospitalisation and an ambulance was called. However, those present alleged that the vehicle did not reach the location before the man died at around 11am.
The delay reportedly continued after his death. An ambulance summoned through an emergency helpline arrived but could not transport the body, following which another ambulance was called, according to the report. The body remained at the spot for nearly three hours before arrangements were completed.
Police said the deceased was a porter and that his identity was established with the help of another porter. The report did not identify the man by name or provide details of the medical cause of death. The allegations regarding the ambulance response and the subsequent delay have placed emergency arrangements at the wholesale market under scrutiny.
The incident has also renewed demands for a dedicated ambulance at the main market yard. Market committee director Santosh Nangare urged the administration to provide one, citing the market’s heavy footfall and the possibility of medical emergencies among workers, traders and visitors.
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. According to Chaure, the report highlighted the need for a separate ambulance for the market administration, and the board of directors was positive about the proposal.
The demand follows a similar incident reported at the premises in October 2025, when the alleged non-availability of an ambulance was linked to the death of another porter. The market committee’s proposal and the administration’s response will determine whether emergency medical access at the Gultekdi Market Yard is strengthened.
