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In a disturbing incident, two labourers died on Sunday due to asphyxiation while trying to open the supporting roof false of an under-construction toilet tank at Khariar town’s Lakshmi Chhak locality in Nuapada district.
The men lost consciousness and were later declared ‘dead’ at the nearby hospital.
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According to police sources, the fatal mishap occurred at around 2.00 PM in Nuapada, when the two persons were engaged in some civil works. The two labourers lost their lives due to suffocation after they attempted to open the false roof of the latrine tank.
The incident took place at a private residence where the toilet tank was built two months ago. It is said that the workers became conscious from toxic gas inhalation and collapsed inside the latrine tank.
On being informed, a local fire services team arrived promptly and rescued the unconscious labourers, rushing them to Khariar Sub-Divisional Hospital (SDH). Unfortunately, doctors at the health facility declared both of them ‘dead’ upon arrival.
The two deceased were identified as Raghumani Hati from Kutenmunda village and Basudev Bhoi from Chhata village, both under Khariar block. The construction work had reportedly been contracted to Padman Bhoi from Chhata village.
Police have seized the bodies and started an investigation to determine the exact cause of the mishap and if any negligence was involved in safety protocols.
“A same contractor was also working for the house construction of my elder brother. The labourers came to my house at around 2.00 PM to take ply-boards, which was needed there for roof centring. After having my launch, I was taking rest. My construction work has been stopped for two months,” the house owner, Gobinda Sahu, expressed.
“Despite my denying them to take, they insisted due to urgent need. I told them, the latrine tank (kept covered for long days) is filled with gas. They should not go into it. However, one of the workers went inside and became unconscious,” the house owner stated.
“Although I repeatedly denied, the second labourer also alighted into the tank and faced the same fate, since he entered sans support system,” Gobinda Sahu added.
Reported By: Kunal Charan Behera
