At least six persons died due to suspected asphyxiation while removing centring from an under-construction septic tank at Gaud Karlakhunta village under M. Rampur area of Odisha’s Kalahandi district on Tuesday.

The deceased included three masons, one labourer, the owner of the house and his son. Another worker was critically injured in the incident and has been admitted to hospital for treatment.

Till the last report came in, the identities of the deceased are yet to be ascertained.

According to local sources, the mishap took place when workers had entered the newly built toilet tank to remove the centring structure. During the process, they reportedly became unconscious inside the tank due to suffocation. One after another, others entered the tank in an attempt to rescue them but also fell unconscious.

After receiving information, local residents along with the administration launched a rescue operation and pulled out all the victims from the tank. They were immediately rushed to the Madanpur Rampur Community Health Centre, where doctors declared six persons dead.

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The injured worker is stated to be in critical condition.

The incident has cast a pall of gloom over the area. Police from Madanpur Rampur reached the spot and have started an investigation into the incident.