Shillong, July 11: Two of the five people who died in the tragic water tank incident at Lapalang Dong Madan, East Khasi Hills, on the evening of July 10 lost their lives while attempting to rescue others trapped inside the tank.

The deceased rescuers, both members of the Nepali community residing in the area, were identified as Sunil Thakuri (34) and Umesh Thakuri (30). They reportedly rushed into the 34-foot-deep water tank after hearing cries for help from workers who had become trapped while cleaning it. Both were overcome inside the tank and died during the rescue attempt.

According to house owner and President of the Seng Longkmie Nongrah, Asenla Nongrum, the workers had entered the underground tank to clean and remove accumulated wastewater. Shortly afterwards, calls for help were heard, prompting the two local residents to enter the tank in an effort to save them. Tragically, they too succumbed inside the confined space.

Nongrum praised the swift response of the police and Fire & Emergency Services, who reached the spot and carried out the rescue operation. She also appealed to the Meghalaya Government to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and introduce strict safety measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Lapalang Rangbah Shnong Bah Pyndap Sohtun said the incident was suspected to have been caused by poisonous gases and a lack of oxygen inside the tank after a diesel pump had been used to drain wastewater. He explained that four people were initially inside the tank; three collapsed while one managed to climb out and alert nearby residents, leading to the rescue attempt by the two local men.

The Superintendent of Police, East Khasi Hills, confirmed that the five deceased comprised three Khasi workers and two Nepali residents who had attempted to rescue them. The bodies were recovered by the Search and Rescue Team and shifted to NEIGRIHMS Hospital for post-mortem examination and other legal formalities.

East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal, IAS, also visited the site soon after receiving information about the incident. He directed the police to register a case and conduct a detailed investigation. A case has been registered at Rynjah Police Station, and further investigation is underway.