IMPHAL, March 14: In an unfortunate incident, three persons died inside a well while one had a near escape from death in an attempt trying to rescue them, due to lack of oxygen when the three were operating a water pump set with a generator inside the well.
The incident happened today at around 2 pm at Nongthonban in Imphal West under Sekmai police station.
The deceased persons have been identified as Khundrakpam Surchandra (30) son of Kh Raghumani Singh of Laipak Kon Awang Sekmei; Maibam Boicha Singh (20) son of M Ibobi Singh of Langathel and Nameirakpam Apon (20) son of N Gandhar Singh of Wangoo, both presently staying at Laipak Kon Awang Sekmai.
The other person who survived has been identified as Salam Inaocha Singh (36) son of (L) S Damu Singh of Nongthonban.
The owner of the land where the well is being dug, Angom Nilamangol Singh (72) speaking to IFP said that the three had been working on digging his well for the past couple of days. He said he was originally from Awang Sekmei Makha Leikai and he recently bought the land at Nongthonban, hiring the three for digging his well.
The three well diggers failed to get water and started digging deeper, reaching around 37 feet depth, at which point, they finally found water.
To pump out the water to make the surrounding walls of the well a pukka wall, the three asked the owner to provide them a water pump set.
The three took the water pump inside the well and started pumping out the water and during the process due to lack of oxygen supply they all suffocated and fainted inside the well. Seeing the three fainting, Salam Inaocha went down to their rescue but he too fainted and fell inside the well.
Locals who were present informed Sekmai police station and the fire service.
Salam Inaocha and Khundrapam Surchandra were first taken out from the well and the two were rushed to Catholic Hospital, Koirengei. Salam Inaocha regained consciousness while Surchandra died at the hospital.
Speaking to IFP at the scene, Fire Service Sub-officer Th Babu said that the fire service was informed at around 3:50 pm and after receiving the information, his five men team rushed to the place.
Firemen, Th Amarjit and Ng Bunty carrying oxygen cylinders got inside the well and brought up Boicha and Apon but it was too late to save them. A case has been registered at Sekmai police station in regard with the incident.