4 workers die while cleaning septic tank in Surat, toxic fumes suspected

Four workers died after collapsing inside a septic tank during a cleaning operation at a jewellery manufacturing unit in Surat, Gujarat, on Sunday. According to police, the incident occurred in the Ashwini Kumar area when a supervisor and three labourers entered the tank as part of routine maintenance work. All four reportedly lost consciousness shortly after entering the confined space and were later declared dead at a hospital.

Police said the septic tank was used to collect waste generated during the jewellery cleaning process and was cleaned periodically. Preliminary findings indicate that the workers may have inhaled poisonous gas present inside the tank. Authorities stated that asphyxiation is suspected to be the cause of death, although the exact cause will be determined after postmortem examinations are completed.

According to investigators, the supervisor had contacted the fire department before entering the tank. However, initial inquiries suggest that none of the four workers were equipped with the required safety gear or protective equipment while carrying out the cleaning operation. Police are examining whether mandatory safety procedures were followed before the workers entered the confined space.

Following the incident, fire brigade personnel reached the site and launched a rescue operation. The four workers were removed from the tank and transported to a nearby hospital, where doctors pronounced them dead. Police subsequently began collecting evidence from the location and recording statements related to the incident.

Authorities have launched an investigation to determine whether negligence contributed to the deaths. Police said they will examine CCTV footage, operational records and other evidence to assess compliance with safety regulations and identify responsibility for any lapses. An accidental death case has been registered while the inquiry remains ongoing.