Shillong: A routine cleaning job turned deadly in Shillong on Friday. Five men died after inhaling toxic fumes inside a 33-foot-deep underground water reservoir at Dongmadan Lane 4 in Lapalang. The victims were killed by carbon monoxide emitted from a diesel pump used to clear water from the confined space.
Three workers entered the reservoir first. When toxic gas overcame them, two brothers rushed in to help. Both rescuers succumbed to the fumes as well. One worker managed to escape and call for help before the tragedy deepened. Only one man survived.
Sub-Divisional Officer Larrypor Roy Nongbri stated the gas displacement happens fast. He noted that in such confined, poorly ventilated areas, "a person exposed to the gas under such conditions can become incapacitated in as little as 30 seconds, leaving virtually no opportunity to escape."
The deceased workers were Pynskhemlang Mawthoh, 22, Rapborlang Nongspung, 35, and Elka Shadap, 25. The two men who died attempting to save them were brothers Sunil Thakuri, 34, and Umesh Thakuri, 30. Doctors at NEIGRIHMS performed virtual autopsies after families refused traditional examinations.
Rynjah police have registered a case under the Disaster Management Act. A separate FIR targeting the property owner and the contractor alleges criminal negligence. Local officials are now pushing for strict safety protocols and better water infrastructure to stop residents from digging private wells.
Comments