Bhubaneswar, July 11 (UDN): Two construction workers lost their lives after an under-construction septic tank collapsed at a building site in BJB Nagar in Odisha’s capital on Saturday, raising fresh concerns over safety standards at construction sites.

The accident occurred while the workers were engaged in construction activities when the partially built septic tank suddenly gave way, causing them to fall inside the collapsed structure.

The incident triggered panic among workers and local residents, who immediately launched rescue efforts before alerting the authorities. The two workers were pulled out from the debris and rushed to Capital Hospital for treatment.

However, doctors at the hospital declared both workers dead on arrival.

The identities of the deceased had not been officially confirmed till the filing of this report.

Police and local authorities have begun an investigation to determine the cause of the collapse. Officials are examining whether structural failure, negligence or lapses in safety protocols contributed to the accident.

The mishap has once again brought the spotlight on workplace safety in the construction sector, particularly at sites involving underground structures such as septic tanks.

The tragedy comes less than two months after a major septic tank accident in Kalahandi district, where six people died from suspected asphyxiation while removing centring from an under-construction septic tank, underscoring the need for stricter adherence to safety norms at construction sites across the state.

Further investigation into the BJB Nagar incident is underway.