The deaths of five men inside a water well at Dong Madan (Lane 4), Lapalang, Shillong were caused by inhalation of highly toxic carbon monoxide gas generated by a water pump used to extract water, officials confirmed on Saturday.
A day after the tragedy, officials from the Water Resources Department joined personnel from the Meghalaya Police and the Fire & Emergency Services Search and Rescue Team in inspecting the site to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Water Resources Department SDO, Larrypor Roy Nongbri, said the victims inhaled carbon monoxide released by the pump operating inside the confined space of the well.
He warned that exposure to high concentrations of carbon monoxide can prove fatal within 30 seconds, as the gas rapidly deprives the body of oxygen, leaving victims with little or no chance to escape.
Nongbri also revealed that the well is approximately 33 feet deep, underscoring the dangers posed by toxic gas accumulation in enclosed underground spaces.
The inspection was carried out as authorities continue to examine the circumstances that led to one of the deadliest confined-space accidents reported in the area.
