Two workers died after inhaling toxic gas inside a septic tank at a factory in Delhi's Mundka industrial area on Saturday, officials said.
Incident Details
The incident took place in the afternoon when the workers entered the septic tank for cleaning and were overcome by toxic fumes. Fire department and police teams rushed to the spot and pulled out the bodies. The deceased have been identified as Raju (32) and Suresh (28), both residents of Uttar Pradesh.
Rescue Operation
According to a senior fire officer, the rescue operation was challenging due to the confined space. A team of 12 firefighters used breathing apparatus to retrieve the bodies. The factory premises have been sealed, and an investigation is underway.
Official Statements
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Outer North) R. S. Yadav said, "Prima facie, it appears that the deaths occurred due to asphyxiation after inhaling toxic gases. We are questioning the factory owner." He added that a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code has been registered.
Safety Concerns
This incident highlights the lack of safety measures for workers handling hazardous tasks. According to data from the National Crime Records Bureau, over 1,000 workers die annually in India due to accidents in confined spaces like septic tanks and sewers. Labour rights activists demand stricter enforcement of safety norms.
