A routine construction project in Meghalaya turned tragic when four laborers hailing from neighboring Assam lost their lives after breathing in toxic fumes inside an underground septic tank. The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon in Rangdokram village, located in the South Garo Hills district.
The Sequence of Events
The laborers were employed at the residence of Sebastian Ch. Sangma. At approximately 3 pm, the workers were performing their duties when two of them went to open the cover of a newly built septic tank. Immediately after lifting the lid, both workers collapsed due to the sudden emission of poisonous gases. Seeing their colleagues fall, the other two laborers rushed into the area in an attempt to save them. However, they were also quickly overpowered by the lethal fumes and fell unconscious.
A Demanding Rescue Effort
Local authorities, including the police and personnel from the Fire and Emergency Services, arrived at the scene shortly after being alerted. They immediately initiated a rescue operation, which proved to be highly challenging. Because the septic tank was built underground, rescuers could not easily access the victims. The emergency team had to dig up the soil surrounding the structure to create a passage to reach the trapped men. During this rescue attempt, the environment inside was so hazardous that two firefighters also lost consciousness and required immediate medical treatment.
Identity of the Deceased
Despite the efforts of the emergency responders, all four workers could not be saved and succumbed to gas poisoning. Authorities have identified the deceased individuals, who were all residents of the South Salmara-Mankachar district in Assam. The victims are Mofidur Rohman (34) from Diara, Purandiara; Ajiyer Rahman (41) from Chengurchar, Purandiara; Ismail Hussain (20) from Chomrashali, Kalapani; and Rakib Hussain (22) from Boalia, Radhamadhab Hat.
Lack of Ventilation Suspected
Preliminary observations suggest that the newly constructed septic tank lacked an adequate gas outlet or a soak pit. The absence of proper ventilation is believed to have led to a high concentration of hazardous gases, such as methane and hydrogen sulphide, within the confined underground space. While these gases are known to accumulate rapidly in unventilated chambers, an official investigation has been launched to determine the precise cause of death.
