Two construction workers die in septic tank accident in Barguna

A third worker falls unconscious during a rescue attempt at a building site in Amtali

Two construction workers have died after being overcome by “toxic gas” inside a septic tank at a building site in Barguna's Amtali Upazila.

The incident took place around 10am on Wednesday at a building under construction belonging to Mohammad Yusuf, near AK School and College in ward No. 2, said Sub-Inspector (SI) Masudur Rahman of Amtali Police Station.

The dead were identified by single names as Jafor, 55, and Zahid, 35.

Md Sohel, a firefighter at Amtali Fire Station, said the two workers entered an old septic tank at the construction site to work on it.

As the tank had remained sealed for a long time, both men were overcome by “toxic gas” that had accumulated inside and lost consciousness.

Another worker who entered the tank to rescue them also fainted.

SI Rahman said police rushed to the scene after receiving a call from local residents.

"The two workers were rescued from the old septic tank and taken to Amtali Upazila Health Complex, where the duty doctor declared them dead," he added.

Amtali Police chief Md Abu Shahadat Md Hasnain Parvez said police and Fire Service and Civil Defence personnel carried out a joint rescue operation after being informed of the incident.

"The bodies have been sent for post-mortem examinations and will be handed over to their families after legal formalities are completed," he added.