Three sanitation workers die of suffocation while cleaning sewer in Tamilnadu

Three Sanitation Workers Die Of Suffocation While Cleaning Sewer In Tamil NaduInvestigators said the men collapsed after inhaling poisonous gas that had accumulated in the lower section of the vessel.

Three sanitation workers, including one from Rajasthan, died of suspected suffocation while cleaning a ballast tank inside a barge at the Old Port in Thoothukudi district of Tamil Nadu on Wednesday. Investigators said the men collapsed after inhaling poisonous gas that had accumulated in the lower section of the vessel.

The workers were identified as Sandeep Kumar (25) of Rajasthan, Jenison Thomas (35) from Punnakayal in Thoothukudi district, and Siron George (23) of Uvari in Tirunelveli district.

The barge, owned by Muktha Infra, had reportedly docked at the Old Port to load construction materials for supply to Sri Lanka and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

According to officials, poisonous gas had built up in the tank due to stagnant water. Although the section was opened in advance to allow the gases to disperse, the three men are believed to have entered without proper precautions. Investigators confirmed that the workers were not given any safety gear before being assigned the task.