Three workers from Theni killed in Idukki district due to asphyxiation while cleaning septic tank in a hotel

Three workers from Theni district died while they were engaged in cleaning a septic tank in Idukki district on Wednesday (October 1, 2025).

Police said that the workers were hired by a private hotel in Kattapanai in Idukki district, Kerala. The persons names were given as Jayaraman of Cumbum, Michael and Sundarapandian of Gudalur.

It is said that when Michael stepped inside the tank first, he had reportedly sought the help of Sundarapandian, who too entered. As there was no response, Jayaraman too went in, but they were caught inside due to suffocation.

After an alert, the fire and rescue services personnel rushed in and rescued the three workers. They were in an unconscious state.

Kattapanai police sent them to the Idukki district government medical college hospital. However, the doctors declared them brought dead. “Due to Oxygen deprivation, they may have died….” a police officer investigating the case said and added that the tank was about 10 feet deep. It was not in use for sometime and the slush had to be removed for which the agent had brought in the three workers.

Preliminary inquiries revealed that the three workers were engaged by an agent to clean the septic tank in the hotel premises. They did not wear any safety gadgets as mandated by the law, police said and added that a case has been registered.

Based on the post-mortem, further action would be taken, police said.