India, May 9 -- LUCKNOW In a tragic incident highlighting lapses in workplace safety, two labourers died of suspected toxic gas inhalation on Friday while cleaning a newly constructed septic tank in Nabipanah village, under the Mal police station limits.

The deceased, identified as Rajesh, 36, and Rinku, 34, were engaged to clean a 15-ft-deep septic tank at a local farmer's residence. According to police, the tank had not been used previously.

Police reports indicate the workers entered the tank sequentially. Rajesh was the first to enter and lost consciousness almost immediately. Rinku stepped inside shortly after and also collapsed within minutes.

Locals alerted authorities when both men failed to emerge from the underground chamber....