Indore, March 3 -- Two sanitation workers died of asphyxiation after inhaling toxic gas while cleaning a sewer here on Monday, with an eyewitness alleging that the duo entered the chamber without any safety equipment, while ambulances reached the spot two hours after the incident.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav directed that the affected families be given assistance of Rs 30 lakh each.

The incident took place in front of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar fruit and vegetable market near Choithram Hospital gate, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Sumit Kerkatta said.

He said a part of the pipe from a sewer suction machine broke and fell into the chamber during the cleaning operation.

"One of the workers, who went down to remove the...