INDIA – Lapalang toxic gas leak leaves 3 workers, 2 rescuers dead

Five people died after toxic gas accumulated inside an underground water reservoir at Dongmadan Lane 4 in Lapalang on Friday evening. Three workers were killed while cleaning the reservoir, while two others lost their lives after entering the confined space in an attempt to rescue them.

Officials from the Water Resources Department confirmed on Saturday that the deaths were caused by carbon monoxide emitted from a diesel-powered pump used to remove water from the underground reservoir. Sub-Divisional Officer Larrypor Roy Nongbri said the gas rapidly displaces oxygen in enclosed spaces, causing victims to lose consciousness within seconds. He added that the reservoir, which was about 33 feet deep, had poor ventilation, allowing the toxic gas to accumulate to dangerous levels.

According to Nongbri, a person exposed to such conditions can become incapacitated in as little as 30 seconds, leaving almost no opportunity to escape.

The incident occurred when four workers entered the underground reservoir inside a residential compound to clean it. While pumping out the remaining water, they were overcome by the poisonous gas. One worker managed to climb out and alert others, but three remained trapped inside.

Hearing the cries for help, two men entered the reservoir to rescue the trapped workers. They too were overcome by the toxic fumes, raising the death toll to five.

Police and Water Resources Department officials visited the site on Saturday and have launched an inquiry into the incident.

The Sector Magistrate has also lodged an FIR against the property owner and the contractor, alleging negligence in connection with the incident.

The workers were in the final stage of cleaning the reservoir by pumping out the remaining water when the accident occurred. It’s suspected that the diesel pump operated inside the confined underground chamber led to a build-up of carbon monoxide or depletion of oxygen, resulting in the fatal incident.

Photo credit: The Shillong Times. All rights reserved.