2 die of asphyxiation while cleaning septic tank

Bhubaneswar: Two manual scavengers died due to suspected asphyxiation while cleaning a septic tank in the IRC village area here on Wednesday.

The deceased were identified as Gopabandhu Naik and Bibhuti Naik.Both belong to Cuttack district.

The tragic incident took place on Wednesday afternoon while the duo was engaged in cleaning and repairing of the septic tank, police said.

As per reports, Bibhuti had first entered the tank but he did not come out. In a bid to save him, Gopabandhu entered to rescue him but he too did not come out.

Suspecting danger, locals searched for both and later on pulled out their bodies. They were rushed to the Capital Hospital where doctors declared them dead on arrival.

Meanwhile, police have registered a case of unnatural death.