Odisha septic tank tragedy: Six dead, one critical after suffocation incident

At least six people died and another fell critically ill after allegedly inhaling toxic gases inside an under-construction septic tank in Odisha’s Kalahandi district on Tuesday, police said.

The incident took place at Karlakhunta village under Madanpur Rampur police limits while centring-related construction work was underway at a residential property. According to police officials, the tragedy began after one worker entered the septic tank to remove centring materials but reportedly developed breathing difficulties and failed to come out.

In an attempt to rescue him, six others entered the confined space one after another. However, they too allegedly lost consciousness inside the tank due to suspected toxic gas exposure.

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Toxic gas build-up suspected

Police suspect that accumulated carbon dioxide or other hazardous gases inside the septic tank may have caused suffocation.

Confined spaces such as septic tanks are known to trap dangerous gases and create oxygen-deficient conditions, especially in enclosed construction areas with high humidity. State Minister Prithviraj Harinandan, said, "We are taking adequate steps so that any kind of mishappening should not happen at any point of any point of time or anywhere in the state. But sometimes whenever there is any accident, definitely like we are taking further cautious measures to handle those so that these kinds of things should not be repeated."

The deceased were identified as Nimai Pal (48), owner of the house where the septic tank was being constructed, his son Akash Pal (28), Adal Majhi (55), Manoranjan Hati (27), Chhanda Jal and Bipul Jal.

One survivor shifted to district hospital

Another worker, identified as Pankaj Bhoi (32), fell ill during the incident and was initially admitted to Madanpur Rampur Hospital before being shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital after his condition worsened.

Locals reportedly pulled the victims out of the septic tank and rushed them to hospital, where six people were declared dead on arrival. Police teams later reached the site and launched an investigation into the incident.

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Questions over safety measures

This incident has yet again raised questions related to safety measures during septic tank construction and confined space work in the countryside and semi-urban settings. Experts have stated that septic tanks could harbor gases like methane, hydrogen sulphide, and carbon dioxide, which could prove deadly for anyone inside them. Incidents where people and even rescue teams succumb to fatal accidents while working on septic tanks without any form of protective wear have been recorded from other places in India too.

Conveying his condolences for the tragedy, Odisha's Chief Minister, Mohan Charan Majhi, said that the state government would provide each of the deceased families with compensation of ₹4 lakhs.