Six feared dead due to suffocation inside under-construction Septic tank in Odisha

Six people are feared to have died from suspected suffocation after entering an under-construction septic tank in Odisha’s Kalahandi district on Tuesday (May 26).

Another person became unwell in the incident, which occurred at Gauda Karlakhunta village under the jurisdiction of Madanpur-Rampur police station, an official said.

According to police, all seven individuals were rushed to the Madanpur Rampur Community Health Centre (CHC), where doctors pronounced six of them dead on arrival.

Authorities identified those who died as three masons, one labourer, the septic tank’s builder, and the builder’s son.

Rescue attempt turns fatal

Elaborating further, police said that the accident unfolded after a section of the septic tank was opened for ongoing construction work, during which the builder reportedly lost his footing and fell inside.

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As others attempted to pull him out, they entered the tank one after another, the officer said.

The deceased were identified as Nimai Pal (48) and his son Akash Pal (28), Adal Majhi (55), Manoranjan Hati (27), Chhanda Jal (32) and Bipul Jal (30). Pankaj Yani, 32, is undergoing treatment in hospital.

CM announces ex gratia

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced a financial assistance of Rs 4 lakh each for the next of kin of the deceased.

“On learning about the tragic accident at a construction site in Madanpur- Rampur, Kalahandi district, which claimed the lives of six people, Chief Minister Shri @MohanMOdisha has expressed deep grief and condolences to the families of the deceased.

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“He has also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund (CMRF) to the next of kin of each deceased,” the CMO said in a post on X.

Aid, probe underway

Kalahandi Collector Sachin Pawer said the district administration has released Rs 30,000 each to the family members of the deceased for their last rites.

Odisha Works Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan said the state government will take all measures to avoid such type of incidents in future.

The exact cause of the deaths is under investigation, police said.

(With agency inputs)