Man asphyxiated while cleaning septic tank

Virudhunagar: A 31-year-old man from Aruppukottai in Virudhunagar district was asphyxiated while he was engaged in cleaning a septic tank in a household in Tiruchuli on Thursday. One more worker was rushed to a government hospital for treatment. He was said to be in a serious condition.

The deceased was identified as Sabarinathan while the injured was identified as Rajapandi. According to police, both were friends. They were engaged in septic tank cleaning work by a woman identified as Mumtaz in her house located in Poolangal village near Tiruchuli.

Police said the two took up the job on Thursday evening. Rajapandi was the first to enter the septic tank. As soon as he entered inside he fainted and fell. Sabarinathan entered to save Rajapandi. But, he too fell inside the tank and became unconscious. The fire and rescue services personnel were immediately pressed into action. While Sabarinathan was brought out dead and doctors in the Aruppukottai government hospital confirming the same, Rajapandi was referred to the Government Rajaji Hospital in Madurai. A case was registered with Paralachi police.