Bhubaneswar, May 26: In a tragic incident, six persons died of suspected asphyxiation after entering an under-construction septic tank at Karlakhunta village under Madanpur Rampur police limits in Odisha’s Kalahandi district on Tuesday.

According to preliminary reports, the incident occurred during centering work on the septic tank when one worker entered the structure and suddenly experienced severe breathing difficulties. In an attempt to rescue him, several others entered the tank one after another. However, all of them reportedly lost consciousness inside, allegedly due to the accumulation of toxic gases.

Locals immediately launched a rescue effort and managed to pull the victims out of the tank before rushing them to the Community Health Centre (CHC) at Madanpur Rampur. Doctors, however, declared six persons dead on arrival. Another critically injured individual was later shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital in Kalahandi for advanced treatment.

The deceased reportedly include four labourers, the owner of the house where the septic tank was being constructed, and his son.

After receiving information about the incident, police officials reached the spot and began an investigation. The bodies have been sent for post-mortem examination to ascertain the exact cause of death.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed deep grief over the tragedy and announced an ex gratia assistance of ₹4 lakh each from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for the next of kin of the deceased.

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