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Security Forces initiating investigation at the accident spot where four workers died under mysterious circumstances while allegedly cleaning tanker in Cachar (Photo: AT)

Silchar, July 31: Four individuals tragically lost their lives under unclear circumstances after reportedly inhaling toxic fumes while cleaning an underground water tank at a newly built residence in Assam's Cachar district on Friday.

The incident took place in Nij Jayanagar, Kumarpara, within the Borkhola Assembly constituency. The victims have been identified as Niloy Pal, Debashish Pal, Nandan Pal, and Champu Pal.

Initial reports suggest that one of the workers, while cleaning the tank, lost consciousness. In a bid to rescue him, three others entered the tank sequentially but also succumbed to the toxic environment.

Cachar's Additional Superintendent of Police, Rajat Pal, stated that the precise nature and origin of the suspected gas remain undetermined.

"We are still trying to ascertain the exact nature and source of the gas involved, and a thorough investigation into this tragic event is underway," he informed the media.

Emergency responders, including personnel from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), along with police and civil administration, quickly arrived at the scene after being alerted about the incident.

Before the disaster response teams could reach, local ward member Dibyendu Das reportedly entered the tank and retrieved the four individuals.

Unfortunately, medical staff at Silchar Medical College and Hospital (SMCH) pronounced all four dead upon arrival.

SMCH Principal Dr. Bhaskar Gupta confirmed that the bodies have been sent for post-mortem analysis.

Additionally, four other individuals affected during the incident were admitted to the medical college hospital for treatment, although their conditions could not be independently verified at the time of this report.

This incident underscores the dangers associated with cleaning underground tanks and similar enclosed spaces without proper safety measures in place.

Local residents have raised concerns about the lack of protective equipment, adequate ventilation, and gas detection tools, which are crucial before entering confined areas where hazardous gases may accumulate.

This tragedy follows closely on the heels of another incident where four workers were killed in a significant explosion at a metal processing and iron-casting facility in Cachar's Pangram area under Udharbond. This explosion also resulted in multiple injuries and led to investigations and the arrest of the factory owner and other management personnel on charges of negligence.