Bhubaneswar, 26 May (H.S.): At least six persons died and another sustained critical injuries after allegedly suffocating inside an under-construction septic tank in Odisha’s Kalahandi district on Tuesday.

The tragic incident occurred at Gaud Karlakhunta village under the Madanpur Rampur area when workers entered a newly constructed toilet septic tank to remove the centring structure installed inside it.

According to local sources, the workers reportedly became unconscious due to suffocation caused by toxic gases and lack of oxygen inside the tank. In an attempt to rescue them, several others entered the tank one after another, but they too collapsed after inhaling the toxic fumes.

The deceased have been identified as Nimai Charan Pal, Akash Pal, Adal Majhi, Baikuntha Jal, Manoranjan Hati and Chand Jal.

Following the incident, local residents along with administrative officials launched a rescue operation and pulled all the victims out of the tank. They were immediately shifted to the Madanpur Rampur Community Health Centre, where doctors declared six persons dead.

One injured worker is undergoing treatment and is stated to be in critical condition.

The incident has cast a pall of gloom over the area. Police from Madanpur Rampur reached the spot and have initiated an investigation into the circumstances leading to the mishap.

Meanwhile, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed deep grief over the loss of lives. Conveying condolences to the bereaved families, the Chief Minister announced financial assistance of Rs 4 lakh each from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF) for the next of kin of all the deceased.

In a statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), the state government described the incident as extremely tragic and assured all possible support to the affected families.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda