Two labourers die while cleaning septic tank on Lucknow outskirts

Lucknow: Two labourers died allegedly due to suffocation and suspected poisonous gas exposure while cleaning a septic tank in a village on the outskirts of Lucknow on Friday, triggering outrage among villagers over the delayed arrival of emergency rescue teams.

The incident took place in Naveen Panah village in Maal, around 35 km from the state capital. The victims were identified as Rinku Pasi, 35, and Rajesh Kumar, 33, both residents of the same village.

According to police and residents, a new 14-foot-deep septic tank had recently been dug up outside a house belonging to one Mayank Singh. Soil from the surrounding area had reportedly collapsed into the tank, and the labourers had been called to clean it before it could be made operational.

Villagers said around 5pm when Rinku first climbed down into the septic tank to begin cleaning work. However, when no sound or movement came from inside for nearly 20 minutes, Rajesh entered the tank to check on him.

After several minutes passed without any response from either worker, family members and villagers feared something had gone wrong and informed Dial 112 police.

Police teams rushed to the spot, but locals alleged that neither the fire brigade nor NDRF personnel arrived for nearly two hours.

Fearing further delay, villagers and nearby labourers’ broke part of the septic tank wall and used ropes to pull both men out in an unconscious condition.

The victims were taken to the community health centre in Maal, where doctors declared both dead.

Police suspect the workers may have inhaled toxic gases trapped inside the septic tank. Mal SHO Nawab Ahmad said preliminary findings pointed towards suffocation caused by poisonous gas inside the enclosed chamber.

Doctors said no visible external injuries were found on either body. “The deaths appear to have occurred due to suffocation. The presence of toxic gas inside the septic tank cannot be ruled out. The exact cause will be clear after post-mortem examination,” said CHC medical officer Dr Wasim Khan.

Rinku is survived by his mother, wife and three-year-old son. Rajesh is survived by his mother, wife and two minor children.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed grief over the incident and directed officials to provide immediate assistance and compensation to the bereaved families. Officials were instructed to visit the spot and ensure all possible government help.

SDM Ankit Maurya said the administration would extend every possible support to the families of the deceased workers.

Safety experts say septic tanks should be opened for ventilation before cleaning and checked for toxic gases before anyone enters, as poisonous gases such as methane and hydrogen sulphide can quickly prove fatal in enclosed spaces.