Three die from inhaling toxic gas in Ctg

A minor was among three people who died yesterday in Chittagong, after they inhaled toxic gas from an under-construction water tank of a mosque while playing football in the city's Jhaowtala area.

The deceased are Md Sifat, 12; Md Imran Hossain Imu, 25, and his younger brother Rubel Hossain, 18, said Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Alauddin Talukdar of Chittagong Medical College Hospital (CMCH) Police Outpost.

Assistant Commissioner (Khulshi Zone) of Chittagong Metropolitan Police (CMP) Sohel Rana said the incident took place at the playing ground of Diesel Colony area of Jhaowtola around 5:00pm.

Police sources said Imran was van puller, and the area where he lived is surrounded by shanties.

“A group of youths were playing football in the field while the football fell into an under-construction water tank of Diesel Colony Jame Masjid,” said the AC, adding that Sifat first got down in the tank to collect the ball and fell unconscious.

As Sifat did not return, Rubel went inside the tank to find him, and also became unconscious, AC Sohel said, adding that failing to get response from the duo inside the tank, Imran then entered the tank and inhaled toxic gas.

Their playmates later rescued the trio in an unconscious state and rushed them to CMCH, where doctors declared them dead, said ASI Alauddin.

Witnesses said the 10-feet long and 12-feet deep water tank was built one month ago.

Deputy Commissioner (North) Abdul Warish of CMP said they were looking into whether it was an accident.