Bhubaneswar: In a tragic incident that has sent shockwaves across Odisha, six persons died and another was critically injured after allegedly inhaling toxic gases inside an under-construction septic tank in Kalahandi district on Tuesday.
The mishap took place at Gaud Karlakhunta village under the jurisdiction of Madanpur Rampur police station when labourers were reportedly engaged in removing centring materials from the newly-constructed septic chamber.
According to preliminary information, one worker initially entered the tank and fell unconscious within moments, allegedly due to suffocation caused by poisonous gases trapped inside the enclosed structure. In an attempt to rescue him, several others entered the chamber one after another, only to collapse inside the tank themselves.
Locals rushed to the spot after hearing cries for help and launched rescue efforts before police and fire services personnel arrived. All the victims were later pulled out and shifted to a nearby hospital.
Doctors at the Madanpur Rampur Community Health Centre declared six persons dead, while another survivor was admitted in critical condition. The identities of the deceased were yet to be officially confirmed till the filing of this report.
Police have initiated an investigation into the incident and are examining whether adequate safety measures were ignored during the work inside the confined space.
The incident has once again highlighted the recurring dangers associated with septic tanks and poorly ventilated underground structures, particularly in rural construction sites where safety protocols are often overlooked.
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