Due to asphyxiation, six die inside an under-construction septic tank in Odisha

Police said that preliminary findings indicate toxic gas accumulation inside the septic tank, which caused suffocation, leading to the death of six people.

A shocking incident happened in Odisha’s Kalahandi district on Tuesday, when six people died, and one fell sick due to asphyxiation. They allegedly inhaled carbon dioxide inside an under-construction septic tank.

A routine construction job ended in a disaster in Odisha’s Kalahandi district.

On Tuesday, six people lost their lives after entering an under-construction septic tank filled with toxic gases. The incident took place in Karlakhunta village under the Madanpur Rampur police limits, where centring work on a septic tank was underway at a private residence. According to police officials, the victims are believed to have died from asphyxiation caused by the build-up of poisonous gases inside the confined structure. Among the deceased were homeowner Nimai Pal, 48, and his 28-year-old son Akash Pal. The other victims were identified as AdalMajhi, 55, ManoranjanHati, 27, and two men, ChhandaJal and BipulJal, from nearby villages.

One after another, men entered the septic tank.

Early investigations suggest the tragedy unfolded when a worker entered the septic tank to remove centring materials but soon began struggling to breathe. When he did not return, others rushed in to help him. In a desperate attempt to save one another, six more people reportedly entered the tank one after another. None of them realised the danger waiting inside. Police suspect that carbon dioxide or other toxic gases had accumulated in the enclosed space, causing the men to lose consciousness within minutes. By the time locals managed to pull them out and rush them to Madanpur Rampur Hospital, six victims had already died. Another man, Pankaj Bhoi, 32, survived but remains under treatment after his condition worsened. He was later shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital.

Police officials said an investigation is currently underway. Kalahandi Superintendent of Police NagarajDevarkonda stated that the exact cause of death would be confirmed after post-mortem reports are received. Meanwhile, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan CharanMajhi expressed grief over the loss of lives and announced an ex gratia compensation of ₹4 lakh for the families of each deceased victim.