A 22-year-old worker died of asphyxiation and another was hospitalised in serious condition after they entered a Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) tank to clear a blockage in Gangwa village, the native village of Haryana Public Health Engineering Minister Ranbir Gangwa, on Tuesday.

The deceased has been identified as Monu. Another worker, Sonu, was admitted to a private hospital. Both were employed by a contractor for cleaning the STP.

According to information, Monu and Sonu, both residents of Gangwa village, entered the sewage tank to clear a blocked pipeline that had disrupted water flow at the plant. While they were cleaning the blockage with iron rods, the water flow suddenly resumed. The workers fell unconscious inside the tank due to inhalation of toxic gas emanating from the blocked pipeline.

Police and administrative officials reached the spot after receiving information. Police sent Monu’s body to Civil Hospital for a postmortem examination. Officials said further action would be taken based on the statement of the deceased’s family.

The incident has once again exposed alleged negligence in following safety norms during sewerage work, which has proved fatal on many occasions in the state. Regulations mandate that workers engaged in such hazardous work be provided with gas masks, oxygen cylinders, safety belts, and helmets. However, the two workers reportedly entered the tank without any safety equipment.

Family members of Monu alleged gross negligence on the part of the plant management and demanded that a case be registered against the officials concerned and the contractor. They also sought adequate compensation and government jobs for the affected families.