Two persons died, and two others remain in critical condition after suffocating inside a newly built septic tank in Keshaibahal village under Mahulpali police limits in Sambalpur district on Tuesday.
The victims were identified as Sushil Naik (40) and Bhikari Charan Behera (42), both residents of Keshaibahal. The critical persons are Anand Behera (48) and Anand Majhi (39). Doctors declared the two deceased after rescue efforts failed.
Reports said the incident occurred when workers entered the septic tank to remove the centring structure. Sushil Naik experienced breathing difficulties inside the tank. Bhikari Behera rushed in to help, followed by two others. All four became trapped inside.
Locals alerted police and fire services. Rescue teams used a JCB machine to break open the tank and pull the workers out. Two were already dead, while the other two were rushed to Kuchinda Medical for treatment. Their condition remains critical.
The septic tank was being constructed at the house of Loknath Behera, brother of the deceased Bhikari Behera. Police confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine safety lapses.
