Tragic Incident in Odisha: Four Workers Lose Lives in Septic Tank Asphyxiation

A heartbreaking incident in Odisha's Nabarangpur district resulted in the deaths of four sanitation workers due to asphyxiation while cleaning a septic tank. The workers, aged between 25 and 35, were retrieved from the tank but unfortunately succumbed to their conditions at the hospital. Authorities are investigating the incident, and an autopsy will determine the exact cause of death. This tragic event raises concerns about safety protocols for sanitation workers in hazardous environments.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 3, 2025, 14:22 IST

Fatal Asphyxiation in Nabarangpur

Bhubaneswar: In a tragic event on Tuesday, four laborers, primarily sanitation workers, reportedly succumbed to asphyxiation while attempting to clean a septic tank in the Nabarangpur district of Odisha, according to police reports.

The incident occurred in Padalguda village, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Nandahandi block and Nabarangpur Town Police station.

Fire brigade officials revealed that the first two individuals who descended into the tank failed to respond after a while. Subsequently, a third person entered the tank, only to also become unresponsive. A fourth worker then attempted to assist but fell ill as well.

All four were eventually retrieved from the septic tank and rushed to the District Headquarters Hospital in Nabarangpur. Unfortunately, two were pronounced dead upon arrival, and the other two later succumbed to their conditions, as reported by the police.

The deceased have been identified as Amir Khura, Trilochan Bhatra, Lalu Rana, and M Santu, all aged between 25 and 35 years.

Authorities indicated that the precise cause of death will be determined following an autopsy. A case has been filed at the Nabarangpur Town Police Station under section 106(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, which pertains to causing death through negligence.