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

An Indian Army jawan was among three persons who died after allegedly inhaling toxic gas inside a septic tank in Assam's Goalpara district, officials said on Friday.

The deceased were identified as Jochok Rabha, an Army personnel and owner of the house, mason Krishna Rai and another worker, Dilip Das. 

According to officials, the incident took place while cleaning work was underway at a toilet tank constructed at Rabha's residence. 

Rabha had reportedly come home on a week-long leave and had initiated some construction-related work at his house. 

He had engaged a few masons to clean the septic tank before further work could begin. 

During the operation, one of the workers first entered the tank and soon became unconscious after allegedly inhaling poisonous gas accumulated inside the confined space. 

Seeing him collapse, another mason entered the tank in an attempt to rescue him, but he too reportedly suffocated and fell unconscious. 

In a desperate bid to save the two workers, Rabha himself entered the septic tank. 

However, he also collapsed inside after being exposed to the toxic fumes, sources said. 

Later, another local resident identified as Bajpayee Rabha entered the tank during the rescue attempt. 

After experiencing severe breathing difficulties, he shouted for help, alerting nearby residents. 

Locals immediately rushed to the spot and managed to pull him out alive before shifting him to the Shaheed Nidhuram Rajbongshi Hospital in Goalpara for treatment. 

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

Doctors said Bajpayee Rabha remains under treatment and his condition is said to be critical. 

The incident has triggered shock and grief across the locality, with residents mourning the deaths of the three men. 

Police have launched an inquiry into the incident, while authorities are expected to examine whether adequate safety measures were followed during the cleaning operation.