6 Workers die after entering under-construction septic tank in Odisha

At least six people died in a tragic incident due to suspected asphyxiation inside an under-construction septic tank in Odisha’s Kalahandi district, police said on Tuesday.

The incident took place at Gaud Karlakhunta village under the Madanpur Rampur police station area when the victims, who were engaged in construction work, reportedly entered the septic tank to remove centring materials.

Officials suspect that toxic gases accumulated inside the confined structure, causing the workers to lose consciousness one after another. One additional person reportedly fell ill and was taken to a hospital for treatment.

Local residents and police personnel carried out a rescue operation and recovered the bodies from the site.

Authorities said panic spread at the construction location as the victims collapsed inside the tank in quick succession.

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

The Chief Minister’s Office said in a statement that the government has extended condolences to the bereaved families and assured support.