Kuchinda: Despite frequent incidents of labourers dying in septic tanks due to oxygen deprivation, there remains a lack of awareness among homeowners and contractors about the need for proper safety measures. This concern was highlighted again Tuesday, when two persons were asphyxiated and as many were rendered critical while removing the centering of a septic tank in Keshaibahal village under Mahulpali police limits in Sambalpur district.
The deceased were identified as Sushil Naik, 35, and Bhikari Charan Behera, 55, of the village. Two labourers – Hemant Behera, 33, and Anand Majhi, 30 – were rescued in critical condition and admitted to Kuchinda hospital. Two unnatural death cases (6 & 7/26) were registered at Mahulpali police station, and the bodies sent for postmortem. According to reports, Lokanath Behera of Keshaibahal had constructed a new septic tank.
The workers arrived there to open the centering of the tank Tuesday. Sushil first entered the tank but did not come out for a long time. Then Anand entered the tank, followed by Hemant, Lokanath’s son. When none of them came out, Lokanath’s brother Bhikari also entered the tank but didn’t come out. On being alerted, personnel from the local Fire Services unit and Mahulpali police station reached the spot and brought the four men out in an unconscious state. They were rushed to Kuchinda hospital, where doctors declared Sushil and Bhikari dead. “The condition of Hemant and Anand is reported to be stable,” said Mahulpali IIC Indradev Oram.
Sambalpur Collector Siddheshwar Baliram Bondar said the Kuchinda Sub-Collector has been directed to probe the incident. Financial assistance will be provided to the families of the deceased as per government norms, if they were registered under the Labour department, he said. The police have launched a detailed investigation into the incident.
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