An Indian Army jawan was among three persons who died after inhaling toxic gas inside a septic tank in Assam’s Goalpara district on Friday, officials and local sources said.
The deceased were identified as Jochok Rabha, an Indian Army jawan and owner of the house, mason Krishna Rai, and another mason, Dilip Das.
According to reports, Rabha had returned home on a week-long leave and had started construction-related work at his residence. He had engaged masons to clean a toilet septic tank that had been constructed earlier.
During the cleaning operation, one of the masons reportedly entered the tank first and fell unconscious after inhaling poisonous gas accumulated inside. Another mason then entered the tank in an attempt to rescue him but also collapsed due to suffocation.
Witnessing the situation, Rabha himself entered the tank to save the two workers. However, he too became unconscious and collapsed inside the septic tank.
Later, another individual identified as Bajpayee Rabha entered the tank in a rescue attempt. After experiencing breathing difficulties, he reportedly shouted for help from inside.
Hearing his cries, local residents rushed to the spot and managed to rescue him alive before shifting him to Shaheed Nidhuram Rajbongshi Hospital in Goalpara.
Officials stated that the three persons trapped inside the tank died on the spot due to suspected toxic gas inhalation.
Bajpayee Rabha is currently undergoing treatment at the hospital, and his condition is said to be critical.
The tragic incident has triggered shock and grief across the locality.
