Three workers die of asphyxiation in septic tank

Tirupati: Three daily wage workers died of asphyxiation when they were engaged in cleaning septic tank of a house at Gandhi Street in Srikalahasti, 40 km from here, late on Thursday night. According to information reaching here, four daily wage workers were engaged by a house owner for cleaning the septic tank.

Two workers, Alluraiah (26) and Manohar (51) died on the spot after inhaling the toxic gas emanated after opening the septic tank for cleaning and two others fell unconscious. Of the two, Sudhakar succumbed on Friday in SVIMS while undergoing treatment. Alluraiah and Manohar, who were first to enter the tank, felt giddy and fell into the tank which is full with filth and toxic fluids leading to their death.

The remaining two, who followed them, too fell sick but were retrieved and were taken to a local hospital. Later, they were shifted to SVIMS. The incident occurred on the eve of Sri Rama Navami which spells doom to the families of three labourers. The incident has revealed lack of awareness on the part of the workers, who were engaged in such risky tasks, on adhering to safety norms to protect themselves. A case was registered.