Five die after inhaling toxic fumes inside well in Shillong

Shillong, July 11: Five people lost their lives after inhaling toxic fumes inside a well at a construction site in Shillong’s Lapalang area on Friday evening, police said.

The incident took place at around 7.30 pm under the jurisdiction of Rynjah police station.
East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem said four labourers had entered the well to pump out accumulated water when they were overcome by fumes believed to have been emitted by a generator being used at the site.

As the workers failed to come out, two brothers reportedly climbed into the well in an attempt to rescue them. They too were overcome by the fumes. Rescue teams later managed to pull out the victims, but five of them were declared dead.

Police have launched an investigation to ascertain the exact sequence of events and determine whether safety protocols were followed at the construction site.

The tragedy has raised fresh concerns over workplace safety, particularly the use of fuel-powered equipment in confined spaces such as wells, where toxic gases can accumulate rapidly and prove fatal.

Also read: Meghalaya on high alert as CM reviews flood situation, 32 villages hit by monsoon rains

Also Watch

Find latest news from every corner of Northeast India at hubnetwork.in, your online source for breaking news, video coverage.