Guwahati: Four construction workers from Assam died on Sunday afternoon after allegedly inhaling poisonous gas while working inside a newly constructed underground septic tank at Rangdokram village in South Garo Hills, Meghalaya.
The incident occurred at around 3 pm at the residence of Sebastian Ch. Sangma. The workers were engaged in construction work when they attempted to open the tank’s lid. Two of them reportedly collapsed shortly after being exposed to the gas trapped inside.
Two other workers who entered the tank in an attempt to rescue their colleagues were also overcome by the fumes and lost consciousness.
Police and Fire and Emergency Services personnel reached the site and launched a rescue operation. Accessing the underground tank proved challenging, forcing rescuers to dig through the surrounding soil to reach the victims.
Two fire personnel also reportedly lost consciousness while attempting to enter the area and were provided immediate medical attention.
The four labourers were subsequently declared dead, with preliminary information indicating gas poisoning as the cause.
The deceased have been identified as Mofidur Rohman (34) of Diara, Purandiara, Mankachar; Ajiyer Rahman (41) of Chengurchar, Purandiara, Mankachar; Ismail Hussain (20) of Chomrashali, Kalapani, Mankachar; and Rakib Hussain (22) of Boalia, Radhamadhab Hat, Mankachar. All four were residents of South Salmara-Mankachar district of Assam.
According to sources, the septic tank may not have had an adequate gas outlet or soak pit, potentially allowing toxic gases to accumulate inside the confined space.
Septic tanks can contain hazardous gases such as hydrogen sulphide and methane, which can pose a serious risk in poorly ventilated enclosed areas. However, the exact gas involved in the incident and the precise cause of the deaths have not yet been established.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident.