Two workers lost their lives due to asphyxiation while cleaning a septic tank at the residence of Gobind Sahu in Lakshmi Chowk, Khariar block headquarters in Nuapada district.
The victims, identified as Basudev Bhoi from Chhata village and Raghumani Hati from Kotenmunda, were removing the centring (falsework) of an under-construction septic tank when the tragedy occurred.
According to reports, one worker succumbed to toxic fumes inside the tank, and the second, in an attempt to rescue his colleague, also fell victim to asphyxiation.
Local residents alerted the Khariar Fire Department, which promptly arrived at the scene and rushed the workers to the Khariar Sub-Divisional Hospital. Despite efforts, doctors declared both workers ‘dead on arrival’.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, raising concerns about the lack of safety measures for workers engaged in hazardous tasks like cleaning septic tanks.
Authorities are investigating the circumstances leading to the tragedy, with preliminary findings pointing to the absence of proper ventilation and safety equipment.
The families of the deceased are devastated, and the local administration has assured support and a thorough probe into the incident.
