Two sanitation workers die from toxic gas while cleaning manhole in Bahawalnagar

Two municipal sanitation workers lost their lives and another was left in a critical condition after being overcome by toxic gas while cleaning a manhole in Chishtian, a tehsil of Bahawalnagar district.

The incident occurred in Mehboob Colony, where three sanitation workers were cleaning a sewer line when they suddenly lost consciousness due to suffocation caused by toxic gases.

The Chief Officer of the Municipal Committee claimed that protective safety kits were available. However, an inquiry has been launched to determine why the equipment was not used during the operation.

The sanitation supervisor has been suspended pending the investigation over alleged negligence.

The families of the deceased workers disputed the official account, stating that the men were not provided with protective safety equipment before entering the manhole.

Meanwhile, Municipal Committee Chief Officer Sanaullah said that a small suction machine is routinely used for sanitation work at the tehsil level, while a larger machine can be requested from the district headquarters when required.

He added that an investigation committee has been established to determine why mechanical equipment was not used and why the workers were not equipped with protective gear.

The committee is expected to submit its preliminary findings within two days.