Photo Courtesy: nenow
Guwahati: Four construction labourers from Assam died on September 27 after inhaling suspected toxic gas at Rangdokram village in Meghalaya's South Garo Hills district. The tragedy occurred around 3 pm at the home of Sebastian Ch. Sangma. The workers were busy with a newly built septic tank. They faced a deadly trap.
Two men tried to open the tank lid and collapsed immediately. Two others rushed in to help them, but they also fell unconscious as the fumes took hold. Rescuers struggled to reach the underground site. They had to dig through the soil to gain access. Two fire personnel lost consciousness during the rescue effort and required urgent medical care.
The deceased workers were 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 were from the South Salmara-Mankachar district of Assam.
Authorities suspect the tank lacked a proper gas outlet or soak pit, which caused methane or hydrogen sulphide to build up in the confined space. Officials are still working to confirm the exact nature of the gas. Local investigators say: "The exact nature of the gas involved and the precise cause of the deaths have not yet been established." Police and fire services continue their probe into the site.
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