Four labourers from South Salmara-Mankachar district of Assam died today after suspected toxic fumes overcame them while they were working inside an underground septic tank at Rangdokram village in South Garo Hills district in Meghalaya, officials said.
Key Takeaways
- Four construction workers from Assam died after suspected toxic gas exposure inside an underground septic tank in South Garo Hills.
- Two workers collapsed while opening the tank, while two others lost consciousness while attempting a rescue.
- Two fire personnel also became unconscious during the rescue operation as authorities continued to investigate the cause.
Four construction labourers from Assam died after suspected toxic fumes overcame them inside an underground septic tank at Rangdokram village in Meghalaya’s South Garo Hills district, officials said on Monday.
The workers were carrying out construction-related work on a newly built septic tank at the residence of Sebastian Ch Sangma in Rangdokram village.
Preliminary information suggests that the incident began when two labourers tried to open the lid of the underground tank. They suddenly collapsed after coming into contact with fumes trapped inside.
Two other workers immediately moved towards them to assist. They too were overcome by the suspected toxic gases and fell unconscious.
The incident prompted an immediate response from the police and Fire and Emergency Services personnel. Rescue teams reached the site and began efforts to reach the affected workers.
Underground Location Complicates Rescue
The underground position of the septic tank created major difficulties for the rescuers. Limited access to the victims made it difficult for the teams to enter the structure and bring the workers out.
The rescue personnel then began digging through the soil surrounding the septic tank. The excavation allowed them to approach the trapped labourers from outside the structure.
The operation also exposed the rescuers to the suspected toxic fumes.
Two fire personnel reportedly lost consciousness after inhaling the fumes during the rescue effort. They received immediate medical attention.
Despite the rescue operation, the four labourers could not be saved. Authorities later declared all four dead.
Victims Belonged to South Salmara-Mankachar
The deceased were identified as Mofidur Rohman, 34, of Diara, Purandiara in Mankachar; Ajiyer Rahman, 41, of Chengurchar, Purandiara; Ismail Hussain, 20, of Chomrashali, Kalapani; and Rakib Hussain, 22, of Boalia, Radhamadhab Hat.
All four workers were residents of Assam’s South Salmara-Mankachar district.
The workers had been engaged in construction work at the Rangdokram residence when the incident occurred.
Ventilation May Have Played a Role
Preliminary findings indicate that inadequate ventilation may have allowed hazardous gases to accumulate inside the confined space.
Investigators are also examining whether the absence of a proper gas outlet or soak pit contributed to the buildup of fumes inside the septic tank.
Septic tanks can contain gases such as hydrogen sulphide and methane. High concentrations of these gases can become potentially fatal.
However, authorities have not yet confirmed the nature of the gas involved in the incident. They have also not established the precise cause of the workers’ deaths.
Investigation Underway
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
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The incident has highlighted the risks associated with entering confined underground spaces without adequate safety arrangements.
Such spaces can become dangerous when ventilation is inadequate and hazardous gases accumulate. The incident also underscores the importance of gas detection equipment, proper ventilation and appropriate safety measures before workers enter confined underground structures.