Army jawan among three dead after inhaling toxic gas inside septic tank in Assam

An Indian Army jawan was among three persons who died after 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, Krishna Rai and mason Dilip Das.

According to reports, Rabha had come home on a week-long leave and had begun construction-related work at his residence. He had called masons to clean a toilet tank that had been constructed earlier.

During the cleaning operation, one mason first entered the tank and reportedly fell unconscious after inhaling poisonous gas accumulated inside. Another mason entered the tank in an attempt to rescue him but also collapsed due to suffocation.

Seeing the situation, Rabha himself entered the tank to save the two workers, but he too became unconscious and collapsed inside.

Later, another person identified as Bajpayee Rabha entered the tank in a rescue attempt. However, after facing breathing difficulties, he shouted for help from inside the tank.

Hearing his cries, local residents rushed to the spot and managed to rescue him alive before shifting him to Shaheed Nidhuram Rajbongshi Hospital in Goalpara.

Officials said the three persons trapped inside the tank died on the spot due to suspected toxic gas inhalation.

Bajpayee Rabha is currently undergoing treatment at the hospital and his condition is stated to be critical.

The tragic incident has triggered shock and grief across the locality.