Kattappana waste tank tragedy: District collector submits report to government

Idukki: The District Collector has submitted a report to the government on the tragic incident in Kattappana, where three migrant workers from Tamil Nadu lost their lives while cleaning a hotel’s waste tank.

The report confirms that the deaths occurred due to the inhalation of toxic gas, though the exact nature of the gas has not yet been identified. The Collector has recommended a multi-departmental investigation into the incident and also proposed compensation for the families of the deceased.

Instructions have been issued to the Pollution Control Board, the Kattappana Municipality Secretary, and the Joint Director of the Local Self-Government Department to conduct a detailed inquiry. The report also calls for verification of possible lapses in the tank’s construction. A separate report from the police has also been sought. Further action will be based on the findings of these investigations, the Collector stated.

The victims were identified as Jeyaraman from Cumbum, and Michael alias Selvan (23) and Sundara Pandian (36), both from Gudalur, Tamil Nadu. The tragedy occurred while Jeyaraman and five others were cleaning the tank. Michael was the first to enter the tank but got trapped inside. Sundara Pandian entered to rescue him but collapsed. Jeyaraman then rushed in to save both men but was also overcome by the toxic atmosphere. With oxygen levels critically low inside, all three succumbed.

After postmortem examinations, the bodies were handed over to the families yesterday.