Two daily-rated workers died in a septic tank in Malbazar of Jalpaiguri district on Sunday of suspected gas poisoning.

Malbazar police and local sources said the deceased Aminul Islam, 26, and Sahid Ahmed, 20, were both residents of Gowabari under Tesimla gram panchayat of Malbazar block, located some 60km from Jalpaiguri town.

Police said Aminul and Sahid had gone to remove the shuttering of the septic tank of an under-construction building owned by one Md Qutubuddin at Barodighi, located around 5km from Malbazar town.

"Aminul first entered the septic tank around 9.30am. It appeared he started to suffocate, so Sahid entered the tank in a bid to rescue him. He also felt suffocated and screamed for help before falling unconscious,” said a source.

Residents immediately rushed to the spot. Then, as the workers could not emerge out of the tank, residents informed the fire and police stations.

The duo were brought out and sent to the Malbazar subdivisional hospital where they were declared brought dead.

There have been reports of incidents of lethal methane gas forming inside septic tanks.

Ainul Haque, a member of Tesimla panchayat, said: “The people of the area are shocked at the tragic incident that led to the deaths of the two young workers.”