Two Sewer Workers Dead, Two Critical After Toxic Gas Exposure in Chishtian Drainage Line

Aamir Sohail (Chishtian)

CHISHTIAN – Two sewer workers lost their lives and two others were critically affected by toxic gas inhalation during a drainage line cleaning operation in Bhatta Colony Chowk, Chishtian, in what residents are calling a tragic incident caused by alleged negligence and lack of safety measures by the Municipal Committee Chishtian.

According to rescue sources, during the cleaning operation, two workers first descended into the manhole and became unconscious due to toxic gases present inside. Two more individuals entered the manhole to rescue them but were also affected by the gas. Upon receiving information, rescue teams arrived at the scene and extracted all four workers.

In the accident, 27-year-old Irfan Masih, son of Iqbal, and 45-year-old Shafiq Masih, son of Rafiq, lost their lives. Shamaoon Masih, son of Younis Masih, was discharged after receiving first aid. Munir, son of Jeet Masih, was shifted to Tehsil Headquarters Hospital Chishtian in critical condition.

Sources revealed that the deceased Irfan Masih leaves behind three sons and two daughters, while Shafiq Masih leaves behind two daughters, a son, and a widow. The area was engulfed in grief, and citizens expressed deep sorrow and anger.

Local residents and social circles alleged that despite allocated budgets and government claims for drainage cleaning, workers are not provided with basic safety equipment, gas detectors, protective kits, or modern machinery, forcing laborers to risk their lives while working.

Citizens have demanded a transparent investigation into the incident to identify responsible officers, legal action against those found negligent, and provision of modern safety equipment and training for sewer workers to prevent such tragedies in the future.