Shillong: Four construction workers from Assam died Sunday afternoon after inhaling toxic fumes inside a newly built underground septic tank. The tragedy occurred at 3 p.m. at a home owned by Sebastian Ch. Sangma in Rangdokram village, South Garo Hills.
The trouble started when the crew tried to open the tank lid. Two men collapsed instantly after breathing the trapped gas. Two more workers rushed to help their peers and promptly lost consciousness too. All four died of gas poisoning.
Police and Fire and Emergency Services personnel arrived to start a rescue mission. The subterranean location forced responders to dig through the surrounding earth to reach the victims. Two fire personnel also passed out during the operation, though they received immediate medical care. Local authorities stated, "The exact gas involved and the precise cause of the accident are yet to be confirmed."
The victims were all from the South Salmara-Mankachar district in Assam. They were identified as 34-year-old Mofidur Rohman, 41-year-old Ajiyer Rahman, 20-year-old Ismail Hussain, and 22-year-old Rakib Hussain. Investigators suspect a lack of proper gas outlets or soak pits caused hydrogen sulphide and methane to collect in the confined space. Official investigations are ongoing.
Updated at 28th September 2026 at 2:15pm
Investigators released specific village addresses for the four men from the South Salmara-Mankachar district. Mofidur Rohman, 34, lived in Diara, Purandiara. The 41-year-old Ajiyer Rahman hailed from Chengurchar, Purandiara. Ismail Hussain, 20, was from Chomrashali, Kalapani, while 22-year-old Rakib Hussain lived in Boalia, Radhamadhab Hat.
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