TWO men who died trying to save the lives of a colleague have been branded heroes. Bahraini Ali Abdulla Hassan Nasser, 26, and Pakistani Gul Faraz Ajab Gul, 32, were killed by fumes in an underground sewer in Eker on Monday.

Mr Gul had jumped in to save their Indian colleague Vasu Pillai Vijayan, 54, after he collapsed and Mr Nasser followed him inside when he also passed out.

Mr Nasser's selflessness prompted people to express their admiration online, with him being dubbed a "hero of sacrifice" in an Arabic hashtag trending on Twitter.

However, his brother Hassan both he and Mr Gul had shown bravery.

It is understood Mr Vijayan fell inside the sewer retrieving an object after toxic gas had already been released.

"When the Pakistani heard him he also jumped in to save his life," said Hassan.

"He picked him up but when he was bringing him out, they both fell. That's when Ali jumped in to save both his colleagues.

"It think only a brave man would take this action to save the lives of others."

Hassan said the men were just moments from finishing work when the tragedy happened, adding that his family was struggling to come to terms with their loss.

Mr Nasser was buried on Tuesday at Haji Hassan cemetery in A'ali - where his father is understood to work as a caretaker.

All three deceased worked for Zohal Construction Limited and were working at a site in West Eker near the GPIC Club.

"I don't understand what to do, I feel emotionally down," added Hassan.

"He was my best friend and we used to go out, eat and enjoy life together.

"We also took part in many religious events and he was a member of various religious organisations.

"He was my younger brother, but he always supported me and gave me everything he had.

"He was not only my brother but also my best friend, with whom I shared so much.

"I feel I lost part of my soul as I spent most of the time with him and I miss him so much, but nothing can bring him back.

"May Allah bless his soul and give him place in heaven for all his good deeds."

Mr Nasser, from A'ali, is survived by his parents, six sisters and five brothers and the family is accepting condolences in Haji Hassan Al A'ali Ma'atam today.

The GDN reported yesterday that the company had been warned about safety concerns hours before the three men suffocated to death.

A labour inspector had visited the site a few hours before the tragedy and informed supervisors that workers did not have protective gear and oxygen masks.

The Labour Ministry said it was investigating the incident following directives from His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and had been ordered to step up its inspection campaigns at worksites.

It also said the Indian worker, who first jumped in, was not trained in safety measures.

Sources told the GDN that the work on the sewer had just been completed when the men died.

aneeqa@gdn.com.bh