Six workers killed in Oman as underground water pipe floods

The bodies of the men, who are believed to be Indian, were recovered about 12 hours later

Waves crash into a promenade in the Omani capital of Muscat. There is still the chance of more rain in several areas of Oman that could cause flooding. AFP

Six workers died in the Omani capital of Muscat after the underground water pipe they were working in became flooded during heavy rains.

Rescue workers attempted to save the men but were unable to reach them in time. Their bodies were recovered about 12 hours after the incident.

The Times of Oman reported that rescue teams used heavy-duty pumps to drain the 295-metre-long concrete pipe, which lies 14 metres below ground.

There was no official comment on why the men were working in the pipe given the inclement weather that caused flooding, leading to road closures across the country.

However, there were reports that the men were carrying out repairs on a section of the pipe.

It was unclear if the repair work was connected to the recent heavy rains or if the pipes transported rainwater or fresh water.

"We are deeply saddened to learn about the incident involving [the] death of six workers, who are believed to be Indian [citizens] , in Seeb area of Muscat, Oman, following the heavy rains on November 10," the Indian embassy in Muscat said on Tuesday.

The General Federation of Oman Workers said they would closely monitor the investigation into the men’s deaths.

There was, however, no official confirmation of the nationalities of the men.

Elsewhere in Oman, the body of a man swept away by floodwater in the Rustaq area was found by authorities.

Oman's Civil Aviation authority shared a weather report and said there was still a chance of more rain in several areas of the country that could cause flooding. It also said there's was a chance of more hail and high winds.

The Gulf region was battered by storms this week, with rain and flooding in the UAE, Oman and parts of Saudi Arabia.