Meghalaya: Five die of suffocation inside well in Shillong

Guwahati: In Meghalaya's capital Shillong five people lost their lives inside a well where they were reportedly died suffocation due to toxic generator fumes.

The incident took place in Lapalang area of Shillong on Friday evening but bodies were recovered today police sources added.

The accident occurred at a private construction site under Rynjah police station jurisdiction.


According to East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem, four labourers were engaged in pumping out water from the well when they suffocated due to toxic fumes emitted by the generator. In a desperate attempt to save them, two brothers entered the well but also fell victim to the hazardous environment.

Despite immediate rescue efforts, all five individuals were declared dead.

According police sources, the incident occurred at around 7.30 p.m. at Lapalang under Rynjah Police Station limits, where four Khasi labourers were working inside a well.

The labourers were suffocated by smoke from a generator being used to pump water out of the well, leading to suspected asphyxiation. One of the labourers managed to escape, while the remaining workers remained trapped inside. Two brothers from the neighbourhood then entered the well in an attempt to rescue them but were also overcome by the fumes and became trapped.