Goalpara, May 29: An Indian Army jawan was among three persons who died after allegedly inhaling toxic gas inside a septic tank in Assam’s Goalpara district on May 29, officials and local sources said.
The deceased were identified as Jochok Rabha, an Indian Army jawan and owner of the house, along with Krishna Rai and mason Dilip Das.
According to reports, Rabha had recently returned home on a week-long leave and had started construction-related work at his residence. He had reportedly engaged masons to clean a toilet tank that had been constructed earlier.
During the cleaning operation, one mason first entered the septic tank and allegedly lost consciousness after inhaling poisonous gas that had accumulated inside. Another mason then entered the tank in an attempt to rescue him but also collapsed due to suffocation.
Seeing both men trapped inside, Rabha reportedly entered the tank himself to rescue them. However, he too became unconscious and collapsed inside the chamber.
Later, another individual identified as Bajpayee Rabha also entered the tank during the rescue effort. After experiencing breathing difficulties, he reportedly shouted for help from inside.
Hearing the cries, local residents rushed to the spot and managed to pull him out alive before shifting him to Shaheed Nidhuram Rajbongshi Hospital for treatment.
Officials said the three persons trapped inside the tank died on the spot due to suspected inhalation of toxic gas.
Bajpayee Rabha is currently undergoing treatment at the hospital, and his condition is reported to be critical.
The incident has triggered shock and grief across the locality.
