Date:31/03/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/03/31/stories/2006033117970300.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Two die of asphyxiation

Staff Reporter

CHENNAI : Two labourers, who entered the underground sewerage network in Mogappair West for cleaning it, died of asphyxiation on Thursday. According to Fire and Rescue Services authorities, they received a call from local residents who said that two men had entered the sewerage in V.G.N.Nagar around 10 a.m. and there was no response from them. The authorities responded to the call and were only able to recover the bodies of the labourers.

Police said a pump operator in the area hired the two, who were identified as Periayasamy (50) of Aathur, Salem district, and Moorthy (35) of Gingee in Villupuram district. Both were pavement dwellers. Police said Periyasamy had entered the underground sewerage first and as there was no communication from him Moorthy also went in. J.J.Nagar police have registered a case of unnatural death.