Meghalaya: 5 die at deep well construction site in West Jaintia Hills, 2 rescued

Five people working at a deep well construction site died in Meghalaya’s West Jaintia Hills. Toxic fumes emitting from a water pump reportedly led to deaths.

At least five people lost their lives after they inhaled toxic fumes while working at a deep well construction site in the West Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya. Seven people were working at the construction site. Two others were rescued, police said. West Jaintia Hills Superintendent of Police (SP) Bikram D Marak on Tuesday told India Today that the incident took place at Mihmyntdu village in the district. “Two other workers were rescued, and they were rushed to hospital,” Bikram D Marak said. The workers were engaged in the construction of a 35-metre-deep well when the incident took place. Workers reportedly fell unconscious inside the deep well due to the fumes emitting from a pump used to draw water.