Assam: Three dead, including soldier, after toxic fume exposure in Goalpara septic tank
By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: Three people, including an Indian Army personnel, died after being exposed to toxic fumes inside a septic tank in Assam’s Goalpara district on Thursday, officials and local sources said.
The deceased have been identified as Army jawan and homeowner Jochok Rabha, along with two masons, Krishna Rai and Dilip Das.
Reports said Rabha had returned home on short leave and was overseeing repair work at his residence, where a septic tank cleaning was underway.
The incident took place when a worker entered the tank and collapsed after inhaling suspected toxic gas. Another mason who tried to rescue him also lost consciousness.
Rabha then went inside to save them but was also affected by the fumes and collapsed.
In another rescue attempt, a man identified as Bajpayee Rabha entered the tank but soon had difficulty breathing and called for help from inside.
Local residents rushed to the spot after hearing his cries and pulled him out alive before shifting him to Shaheed Nidhuram Rajbongshi Hospital in Goalpara.
It was confirmed that all three men inside the tank died at the spot, with toxic gas inhalation suspected as the cause.
Bajpayee Rabha is currently under treatment at the hospital and remains in critical condition.