Daijiworld Media Network - Bhubaneswar
Bhubaneswar, May 26: In a tragic incident in Odisha’s Kalahandi district, six people died and one person was critically injured after being exposed to toxic fumes inside an under-construction septic tank in the Madanpur Rampur police station area on Tuesday morning.
The deceased have been identified as Nimain Charan Pal, his son Akash Pal, and four others — Adal Majhi, Manoranjan Hati, Baikuntha Jal and Chhand Jal.
According to reports, the incident occurred in Gaud Karlakhunta village, where septic tank construction work was underway at the residence of Nimain Charan Pal.
Police sources said the tragedy unfolded around 8 a.m. when Nimain accidentally fell into the tank while inspecting the ongoing work. When he did not resurface, his son Akash reportedly entered the tank in an attempt to rescue him but became trapped inside.
One after another, four labourers also entered the tank in a desperate bid to save the father and son. However, all six were overcome by suspected toxic gases inside the confined space and died on the spot.
Another worker, Pankaj Bhoi of Hatikhoj village, sustained critical injuries and has been shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital in Bhawanipatna for advanced treatment.
All victims were initially taken to the nearby Community Health Centre, where doctors declared them dead on arrival.
Officials said the sequence of rescue attempts inside the gas-filled tank turned fatal as each person entered without protective equipment or ventilation support.
The incident has once again raised serious concerns over safety standards at construction sites, particularly in rural areas where hazardous confined-space work is often carried out without proper safeguards.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and announced an ex gratia compensation of ?4 lakh each for the families of the deceased.
In an official statement, the Chief Minister’s Office said he conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and directed that assistance be provided from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF).
Local authorities have begun an investigation into the incident to determine lapses in safety protocols and construction practices.