Chennai: Three workers died of asphyxiation while removing supporting wooden planks in a septic tank at an under-construction house in Karur on Tuesday.
According to a report in The New Indian Express, two construction workers Mohanraj and Rajesh entered a septic tank of an under-construction house to remove wooden planks inside the tank.
However, both of them reportedly started to scream. On hearing the cries, Sivakumar who was nearby allegedly rushed for help. He entered the tank to help them but he too collapsed.
The locals immediately alerted fire and rescue services personnel. The personnel rescued the three men and sent them to Government Medical College Hospital. However, the three workers were declared brought dead.
According to The New Indian Express, the police said, “Preliminary probe revealed that the newly-built septic tank, which is eight-foot high, was filled with knee-deep water.”
He also said that the tank might have been filled with rainwater and old wooden planks might have fallen into the water.
As a result, poisonous gas would have started to form in the closed tank.
He said that the workers died after inhaling the gas formed from soaked wooden poles.
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The SP told TOI that the house owner has been held responsible. He also said that the house owner will be booked under section 304 (A) of Indian Penal Code.
Following the incident, E Sundaravathanam, Superintendent of Police, Karur, inspected the spot. He also inquired about the incident.
The investigations are on.
Meanwhile, taking to social media, Dalit rights activist Shalin Maria Lawrence said, "Three more people have died yesterday while cleaning a septic tank in Karur #TamilNadu . I'm just fed up and tired. @CMOTamilnadu sir will you say something now ? @thirumaofficial Anna , please put pressure on the state to stop this."