Four construction labourers from Assam lost their lives on Sunday evening after inhaling toxic gas inside a newly constructed underground septic tank at Rangdokram village in Meghalaya’s South Garo Hills district.
The tragic incident occurred around 3 pm at the residence of Sebastian Ch. Sangma. According to reports, the workers were engaged in construction work and attempted to open the septic tank’s lid when poisonous gases trapped inside the chamber escaped. Two labourers collapsed shortly after exposure to the fumes. In an effort to rescue them, two other workers entered the tank but were also overcome by the gas and fell unconscious.
Police and personnel from the Fire and Emergency Services rushed to the spot and launched a rescue operation. The rescue was challenging because the septic tank was located underground, forcing rescuers to dig through surrounding soil to reach the victims. During the operation, two fire service personnel also lost consciousness after being exposed to the gas and were provided immediate medical treatment.
All four labourers died due to suspected gas poisoning. 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 the victims were residents of Assam’s South Salmara-Mankachar district.
Preliminary findings suggest that the septic tank may not have had a proper gas outlet or soak pit, leading to the accumulation of hazardous gases such as hydrogen sulphide and methane. However, authorities are yet to confirm the exact gas responsible for the deaths. An investigation into the incident is underway.
