2 Workers Die After Inhaling Toxic Gas While Cleaning Septic Tank in TN

Thiruvallur: Two workers died from suffocation while cleaning a septic tank at a private school in Thiruvallur, Tamil Nadu on Monday, International Labour Day.

The two deceased workers, identified as Govindan (45) and Subburayalu (45) worked as sanitation workers. Govindan worked for the Meenjur panchayat whereas Subburayalu was a contract worker.

The two workers died on the work spot after inhaling toxic gas while cleaning the septic tank. Their bodies were retrieved by the Fire and Rescue Service, who had to use a rope harness and safety equipment to pull them up.

The bodies were sent to Ponneri Government Hospital for an autopsy. Simiyon Victor, the school’s principal, has been held by the Meenjur Police for questioning in the meanwhile after a case was lodged against him.

Simiyon said that two men were dispatched for cleaning duties by Meenjur panchayat officials. Whereas, the panchayat officials deny allocating any sanitation work to the duo on May Day.