Shillong, July 11: Five people, including three Khasis and two Nepalis, lost their lives after inhaling fumes emitted by a generator inside a water tank at Dong Madan in Lapalang, Shillong. The incident occurred on Friday evening between 7 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
The deceased have been identified as Umesh Thakuri, 30, and Sunil Thakuri, 33, both residents of Nongrah Dongktieh Block-5; Pynskhemlang Mawthoh, 22, and Rapborlang Nongspung, 35, both from Thangsning; and Elka Shadap, 25, from Umiew, Maw-u-Sam, Smit. Pynkhrawborlang Kharumnuid, 36, from Thangsning, survived the incident.
According to information gathered, four Khasi youths had gone to clean the water tank, which is around 33 feet deep. They used a generator and a pipe to pump the muddy water out. However, fumes from the generator accumulated inside the tank, leaving three of those inside unable to breathe. One of them managed to climb out and call for help. Two Nepali men who heard his cries entered the tank to rescue those trapped inside. However, within a few seconds, they too suffocated after inhaling the generator fumes.
The Headman of Lapalang, Pyndap Sohtun, said the two Nepali men who went to help had young children. He appealed to the government to provide assistance to their families.
Officials from the Soil and Water Conservation Department and the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board, along with personnel from Rynjah Police Station, inspected the tank, which had been dug in the courtyard of a house.
The bodies of the five victims were recovered by the Search and Rescue Team and taken to NEIGRIHMS for post-mortem examinations. On Saturday, the bodies were handed over to their families to perform the last rites.
Police seized the generator used at the tank and registered a case in connection with the incident.
Water Resources SDO Larikupar Roy Nongbri said that following the incident, the Water Resources Department would prepare a Standard Operating Procedure and seek to incorporate safety provisions into building regulations to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
