Five West Bengal labourers die from asphyxiation in Karnataka

Five labourers from West Bengal suffocated to death at a fish processing unit in Mangaluru city in Karnataka, the police said Tuesday.

The deceased have been identified as Mohammed Samirulla, Umar Farooq, Nizamuddin Ali, Mirajul Islam and Sarafath Ali.

The accident took place on Sunday around 6pm at Sri Ulka LLB factory when Nizamuddin went in to clean a 20 feet deep waste water tank. He reportedly got stuck in the slush and screamed for help. Other labourers who were around rushed to his help but failed to rescue him. Samirulla and Farooq, who also got stuck, died on the spot. Five labourers were taken to a hospital where Mirajul and Sarafath died on Monday morning.

The incident took place in a 20 feet deep waste water tank. (Express Photo)

The police said that Sri Ulka LLB factory exports processed fish to Russia, China and other countries. Following the accident, the police have arrested four people including production manager Ruby Joseph, area manager Kubher Gade, supervisor Anwar and labour safety supervisor Farooq.

The police have registered a case and are probing the incident.