Bargarh: Two labourers died of asphyxiation and another became critical while cleaning a septic tank at Mandosil village under Paikmal police limits in Bargarh district on Thursday.
The deceased have been identified as Karunakar Patel and Madan Bariha.
According to available information, the duo was engaged in removing the centring of an under-construction septic tank of one Sushant Bag in the village. Sometime later, they collapsed. Not getting any response from the labourers, Nepal Netam, a mason, entered the tank to rescue them. His condition, however, became critical inside the tank.
Later, the trio was rescued by fire personnel and rushed to Nuapada district headquarters hospital, where Karunakar and Madan were declared brought dead.
On the other hand, Netam is battling for life at the hospital.
Meanwhile, the residents of the locality demanded an inquiry into the incident.