2 suffocate inside septic tank in Sambalpur district, 1 critical

Sambalpur: Two persons lost their lives and one remains in critical condition after allegedly suffocating inside a newly-constructed septic tank at Keseibahal village in Kuchinda block on Tuesday morning.

According to SDPO Pradeep Dash, the incident took place around 8:30 am when work was underway to remove the centering of the septic tank built by Hemant Behera.

Two workers, Sushil Naik (35) and Anand Majhi (35), entered the tank for the task. When they did not come out after a prolonged period, Hemant entered the tank to check on them.

Seeing this, Hemant’s father Bhikari Charan Behera (55), also went inside. Due to lack of oxygen inside the tank, Sushil Naik and Bhikari Charan Behera collapsed after suffocation. Hemant Behera also fell unconscious inside the tank, while Anand Majhi managed to survive.

Family members immediately alerted locals, who informed police and fire services. Rescue teams with the help of a JCB machine, removed the concrete slab of the septic tank to carry out the rescue operation. All four were pulled out and taken to hospital.

Doctors declared Sushil Naik and Bhikari Charan Behera dead on arrival. Hemant Behera is undergoing treatment in critical condition, while Anand Majhi is reported to be stable. The bodies have been sent to Kuchinda hospital for autopsy.

Collector (Sambalpur) Siddheshwar Baliram Bondar said Kuchinda sub-collector has been directed to visit the site and submit a detailed report. He also assured financial assistance would be provided to the families of the deceased.

BJD workers staged a protest in front of the hospital, demanding adequate compensation for the victims’ families. Party leader Rajendra Chhatria urged the administration to ensure proper support for the affected.