Four young men died after reportedly inhaling toxic gas while working inside a septic tank at Harinchhara Tea Garden in Sreemangal upazila of Moulvibazar early Thursday.

The deceased were identified as Rana Nayek, 17; Shraban Nayek, 19; Krishna Rabidas, 20; and Nipen Phulmali, 27 — all sons of tea workers employed at the Finlay-owned tea estate.

Another youth, Rabi Bunarjee, 20, was rescued in critical condition and sent to Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment.

Sreemangal Police Station Officer-in-Charge Aminul Islam said the incident took place around 1:30am when the victims entered the septic tank and were likely exposed to poisonous gas. 

“We suspect they died due to inhaling toxic gas, but the exact cause will be confirmed after the autopsy,” he said.

Dr Sabyasachi Paul Tamal of Moulvibazar 250-bed District Hospital said the four were brought in dead. “Another injured youth, Rabi Bunarjee, was given primary treatment and then referred to Sylhet for further care,” he added.

Relatives said the victims lost consciousness soon after entering the tank. Police are investigating the incident.

MN/