Four Assam labourers died after suspected toxic gas exposure inside an underground septic tank at Rangdokram village in Meghalaya’s South Garo Hills district, police said.
The incident occurred around 3 pm on Sunday at the residence of Sebastian Ch. Sangma. The workers were engaged in construction-related work when they attempted to open the lid of a newly built septic tank.
Assam labourers collapse near septic tank
According to preliminary information, two of the workers were the first to come into contact with the fumes trapped inside the underground tank. They collapsed shortly after exposure.
Two other Assam labourers then moved towards their colleagues in an attempt to help them. However, they were also overcome by the suspected toxic gas and lost consciousness. Police and Fire and Emergency Services personnel were alerted soon after the incident.
The victims were residents of Assam’s South Salmara-Mankachar district. Police identified them as Mofidur Rohman, 34, Ajiyer Rahman, 41, Ismail Hussain, 20, and Rakib Hussain, 22.
Rescue operation faced serious risks
The underground location of the septic tank made the rescue operation difficult. Responders could not easily reach the workers through the normal access point.
Police personnel reportedly dug through the soil around the tank to create another route to the victims. Meanwhile, two members of the Fire and Rescue Services also became unconscious while trying to reach the affected workers. They received immediate medical attention and later regained consciousness.
The incident highlights the dangers that can arise when workers enter or work around confined underground spaces without adequate safety measures. However, the exact circumstances leading to the gas accumulation remain under investigation.
Assam labourers were from South Salmara-Mankachar
All four deceased Assam labourers came from South Salmara-Mankachar district. Their deaths have brought attention to the risks faced by migrant and construction workers working away from their home districts.
Reports identified the workers by their respective home areas as Diara, Chengurchar, Chomrashali and Boalia. The victims were reportedly working at the Rangdokram residence when the incident occurred.
The incident has also raised questions about safety arrangements at the newly constructed septic tank. Preliminary information cited by police and local reports indicates that the structure may not have had a proper gas outlet or soak pit.
Toxic gas remains under investigation
Authorities have not confirmed the exact gas responsible for the deaths. Reports have suggested that inadequate ventilation may have allowed hazardous fumes to build up inside the confined space.
Septic tanks can contain dangerous gases, including hydrogen sulphide and methane. In enclosed areas, such gases can create serious risks of poisoning or asphyxiation. However, the presence of any specific gas in this incident must be established through the official investigation.
Therefore, the cause should continue to be described as suspected toxic gas exposure until authorities provide further confirmation.
Assam labourers’ deaths prompt investigation
Police have registered a case and started an investigation into the incident, according to reports. Further details are expected as authorities examine the circumstances surrounding the construction work and the condition of the septic tank.
The deaths also underscore the need for caution around confined spaces such as septic tanks. Workers should not enter such structures without proper assessment, ventilation and safety equipment, particularly where hazardous gases may have accumulated.
For now, the investigation will focus on determining how the fumes accumulated and what conditions led to the deaths of the four Assam labourers. Authorities are also expected to establish whether any safety requirements were overlooked during the construction or work at the site.