Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
A tragic incident was reported from Odisha’s Kalahandi district on Tuesday, where six people died of suffocation while working inside an under-construction septic tank. Another worker sustained critical injuries and is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital.
The incident occurred in Goud Karlakhunta village under the Madanpur-Rampur area of the district, leaving the entire village in mourning.
According to preliminary information, a new septic tank was being constructed near a house in the village. Several workers had entered the tank to remove centering materials when they suddenly experienced breathing difficulties inside the enclosed space.
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Sources said a few workers who first entered the tank lost consciousness after allegedly inhaling toxic gas. In an attempt to rescue them, others entered the tank one after another, but they too collapsed due to poisonous fumes and lack of oxygen. The rescue effort soon turned into a major tragedy.
The deceased reportedly include three masons, one labourer, the house owner and his son.
After receiving information about the incident, local residents and administrative officials rushed to the spot.
Following a lengthy rescue operation, all the victims were pulled out of the tank and taken to the Madanpur-Rampur Community Health Centre, where doctors declared six persons dead.
Another injured worker remains in critical condition and is undergoing treatment.
The incident has cast a pall of gloom across the area, with villagers in deep shock over the loss of lives. Authorities suspect toxic gas inside the septic tank to be the primary cause of the accident.
On being informed, police from the Madanpur-Rampur police station reached the spot and launched an investigation. Officials are probing whether there was any negligence in following safety measures while carrying out work inside the confined space.
Expressing deep grief over the deaths, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced an ex-gratia assistance of Rs 4 lakh each from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for the next of kin of the deceased.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
