Two people died after allegedly inhaling toxic gases while cleaning a sewage treatment plant (STP) tank at a residential society in Greater Noida, police said on Sunday. The incident took place at Eldeco Society in Sector 150 under the jurisdiction of the Knowledge Park police station area, highlighting the dangers associated with entering confined spaces without adequate safety measures. The victims were identified as sanitation worker Shashikant Sharma and security guard Akash. According to police officials, the incident occurred while Sharma was carrying out cleaning work inside the STP tank at the residential complex.

During the process, he reportedly became unconscious after inhaling toxic gases accumulated inside the tank. Police said that after noticing Sharma collapse inside the tank, security guard Akash attempted to rescue him. However, he too entered the confined space and was overcome by the poisonous gases, leaving him unconscious inside the tank. The incident led to an emergency response from authorities, with police and fire department teams reaching the location after receiving information.

Rescue personnel launched an operation to remove both men from the tank. They were pulled out and immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention. However, doctors declared both victims dead upon arrival. Officials said preliminary information suggested that inhalation of toxic gases was the cause of the deaths, though further investigation is underway. The incident has once again raised concerns over safety protocols followed during sewage and sanitation-related work.

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Experts have repeatedly warned that sewage tanks and other underground structures can contain dangerous gases such as hydrogen sulphide and methane, which can cause unconsciousness or death within a short period if proper protective equipment and safety procedures are not followed. Authorities are expected to investigate whether safety guidelines were followed during the cleaning operation and whether adequate precautions were in place before workers entered the STP tank.

Police officials said further action would be taken based on the findings of the investigation. The deaths of the sanitation worker and the security guard have also brought attention to the risks faced by workers involved in essential maintenance activities. Safety regulations require proper equipment, ventilation, monitoring of toxic gases and trained personnel during such operations to prevent accidents. The incident at Eldeco Society serves as another reminder of the need for strict compliance with workplace safety measures, particularly in confined spaces where hazardous conditions can develop without warning.

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