Shillong, Sep 28: In yet another tragic incident 4 workers engaged in a construction died after inhaling toxic gas while working inside an underground septic tank in Meghalaya on Monday. All of these workers belong to Assam.
The incident took place in Rangdokram village in South Garo Hills district where the workers were engaged at the residence of Sebastian Ch Sangma where toxic gas leaked from a septic tank.
According to a local source, two of them attempted to open the lid of the underground tank and then collapsed. Two other workers rushed to their aid and collapsed after being exposed to fumes trapped inside.
Rescue teams arrived in the spot. But the rescue team found it difficult to attend them as the septic tank was located underground. Then they dug through the soil surrounding the structure to reach the trapped labourers.
Two of the rescuers also fell consciousness. But regained senses after immediate medical attention.
The deceased have been identified as Mofidur Rohman, Ajiyer Rahman, Ismail Hussain, and Rakib Hussain, from Boalia, Radhamadhab Hat. All four were residents of Salmara-Mankachar district.
According to preliminary findings, inadequate ventilation or the absence of a proper gas outlet or soak pit may have resulted in the accumulation of hazardous gases inside the confined space.
