Fatal toxic gas exposure in Indian septic tanks

Recent incidents in India have resulted in fatalities due to suspected toxic gas inhalation during construction and maintenance work in confined spaces.

In the Chhindwara district of Madhya Pradesh, a 35-year-old labourer, Mohan Kumre, died and another worker, Diyalal Dhurve, was hospitalized after entering a newly constructed septic tank in Kursidhana village to remove shuttering. Both men lost consciousness shortly after entering the structure. While bystanders pulled them out and transported them to Tamia Hospital, Kumre passed away the following day. Tamia police station in-charge Ashish Jaitwar confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine the exact nature of the gas and whether necessary safety precautions were implemented.

Similarly, in Delhi’s Chhawla area, a 38-year-old man died and three others were injured while performing shuttering removal work inside an under-construction septic tank. This event follows a previous June incident in the Mundka Industrial Area where three workers died under similar circumstances, leading to allegations of negligence regarding protective gear and safety measures.