RAIPUR, CHHATTISGARH: A tragic incident unfolded in Chhattisgarh’s capital Raipur on Tuesday night when three sanitation workers died after inhaling toxic gas while cleaning a sewage tank at Ramkrishna Hospital, triggering protests by grieving families and raising serious concerns over safety protocols.
The incident occurred at the hospital premises located in Pachpedi Naka area under Tikrapara police station limits. According to preliminary information, the workers entered a sewage treatment tank for routine cleaning when they were exposed to poisonous gases, leading to suffocation and eventual death. One more worker remains in critical condition.
Victims Identified, Rescue Attempts Failed
The deceased have been identified as Anmol Manjhi (25), Govind Sendre (35), and Satyam Kumar (22). Officials said the incident took place around 8 pm when one worker first descended into the tank and collapsed. In an attempt to rescue him, two others entered the chamber one after another but also fell unconscious due to toxic fumes.
Despite rescue efforts, three workers could not be revived. Authorities said that the presence of hazardous gases inside the tank is suspected to be the primary cause of the deaths.
Hospital Confirms Deaths, Mentions Outsourced Workers
In an official statement, the Ramkrishna Care Hospital management confirmed two deaths and stated that the workers were employed through an external contractor.
“A tragic incident occurred during maintenance work at the sewage treatment plant. The workers had entered the facility as part of routine operations but encountered a serious emergency situation,” the statement said.
However, families of the deceased claimed that three workers had died and accused the hospital of downplaying the toll.
Families Allege Negligence, Protest Turns Violent
The incident sparked outrage among the victims’ families and local residents, who gathered outside the hospital demanding answers. Tensions escalated when relatives alleged that the bodies were not immediately handed over to them.
Emotional scenes unfolded as family members broke down, with one relative of Govind Sendre pleading, “Return my brother to me.” Protesters also accused the hospital management of denying them entry and attempting to conceal details of the incident.
The situation turned volatile as some individuals resorted to stone-pelting, prompting police to deploy additional personnel to maintain law and order.
Safety Lapses Under Scanner
Families have alleged that the workers were sent into the sewage tank without proper safety equipment or protective gear, despite the known risks of toxic gas exposure in such confined spaces.
Experts note that manual cleaning of sewage systems without safety measures remains a persistent issue in India, often leading to fatal accidents.
Police Launch Investigation
Police have initiated an investigation into the incident, focusing on possible negligence and violation of safety norms. Authorities are also examining the role of the contractor and the hospital administration in ensuring worker safety.
The critically injured worker is undergoing treatment, and officials said further action will be taken based on medical reports and findings from the inquiry.
The incident has once again highlighted the urgent need for stricter enforcement of safety regulations and mechanisation in hazardous sanitation work.
(India CSR)
