Archive · 28 Sep 2026
Four Assam Labourers Die After Suspected Meghalaya Septic-Tank Gas Leak
Four workers from Assam died in Meghalaya while working near a newly built underground septic tank.
Two workers opened the tank and suddenly collapsed.
Two others went inside or tried to help and also became unconscious.
Rescue workers struggled to reach them because the tank was underground.
They dug through the soil to get to the victims.
Two fire personnel also became unconscious but received medical care.
The four labourers were later declared dead.
Officials suspect dangerous gases may have collected inside the tank.
They have not yet confirmed which gas caused the deaths, and an investigation is continuing.
Four labourers from Assam died after reportedly inhaling suspected toxic gas inside an underground septic tank in Meghalaya.
The incident occurred at a residence in Rangdokram village, South Garo Hills district, during septic-tank construction work.
Two workers collapsed after opening the tank, while two others were overcome after attempting to help them.
Rescuers had to dig through surrounding soil, and two fire personnel also reportedly lost consciousness during the operation.
Authorities have not confirmed the gas or exact cause of death; inadequate ventilation is being examined as a possible factor.
- Who
- Four construction labourers from Assam: Mofidur Rohman, Ajiyer Rahman, Ismail Hussain and Rakib Hussain.
- What
- The labourers died after suspected toxic-gas exposure inside an underground septic tank; two fire personnel also lost consciousness during rescue efforts.
- When
- Officials reported the incident on Monday; the exact date was not stated.
- Where
- A residence in Rangdokram village, South Garo Hills district, Meghalaya.
- Why
- Preliminary findings suggest inadequate ventilation or the absence of a proper gas outlet or soak pit may have allowed hazardous gases to accumulate, but the exact cause remains unconfirmed.
- Deaths
- Four labourers were declared dead.
- Victims' origin
- All four were residents of Assam's South Salmara-Mankachar district.
- Location
- Rangdokram village in Meghalaya's South Garo Hills district.
- Incident setting
- An underground septic tank at a newly built residential property.
- Rescue operation
- Police and Fire and Emergency Services personnel dug through surrounding soil to reach the workers.
- Additional injuries
- Two fire personnel reportedly lost consciousness after exposure to the fumes and received medical attention.
- Investigation status
- Authorities have not confirmed the gas or precise cause of death; further investigation is underway.