At least six persons died of suspected asphyxiation after being trapped inside an under-construction septic tank at Gaud Karlakhunta village under the Madanpur-Rampur block in the Kalahandi district of Odisha on Tuesday morning.
According to reports, the victims had entered the septic tank to remove centering materials from the under-construction structure when the mishap occurred. They are suspected to have suffocated inside the chamber due to lack of oxygen and toxic gases.
The victims were rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared them brought dead.
Police have registered an unnatural death case in connection with the incident and launched an investigation to ascertain the exact circumstances leading to the tragedy.
Meanwhile, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed deep grief over the incident and conveyed condolences to the bereaved families.
In a statement, the Chief Minister also announced an ex gratia of ₹4 lakh each from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF) for the next of kin of the deceased.