SAMBALPUR: Two workers were asphyxiated to death while as many became critically ill after entering a newly-constructed septic tank at Kesaibahal village under Mahulpali police limits in Kuchinda sub-division here on Tuesday.
The deceased were identified as Susil Naik (40) and Bhikari Charan Behera (42), both residents of Kesaibahal. Hemant Behera (48) and Anand Majhi (39), who became critical due to suffocation, are currently undergoing treatment at Kuchinda hospital, said police.
Sources said the mishap took place during construction of a toilet at the house of Lokanath Behera in the morning. Susil first entered the newly-built septic tank to dismantle the centering structure while Lokanath’s brother Bhikari and the rest two waited outside.
However, Susil reportedly began experiencing breathing difficulties due to the confined space. In an attempt to rescue him, the other three entered the tank one after another but were trapped due to the lack of oxygen in the septic chamber.
As the four became unconscious, others present at the site raised an alarm. On being informed, fire services personnel along with Mahulpali police rushed to the spot and launched a rescue operation. As accessing the tank proved difficult, an excavator machine was engaged to partially break open the structure and facilitate the rescue.
Police said Susil and Bhikari had already died due to asphyxiation inside the tank. The rest two were immediately shifted to Kuchinda hospital by ambulance, where they are currently being treated. Hospital sources said their condition is stable.
Mahulpali police has launched an investigation to ascertain the exact sequence of events and whether any safety lapse contributed to the mishap.