Five persons died of suffocation, including an officer of the Forest Department, while constructing a well in Lumpyrtuh -Mihmyntdu under West Jaiñtia Hills district on Monday.
Police said the incident took place at around 2:54 in the afternoon. Two persons were rescued from the 30 feet by the Fire and Emergency Service.
The deceased are Hamklet Suchiang (37), who is a Divisional Forest Officer in Jowai and owner of the house where the well is under construction. The others who hail from Raliang village are Bunlad Suchiang (34), Niwan Suchiang (48), Phima Dkhar (24) and Danyboi Iano (27).
The rescued person, Minotlang Khyriam (40) is under medical attention at Woodland Hospital, Jowai and Deiwa Lyngdoh (18) was discharged from the hospital.
According to the rescue team, the persons died of suffocation due to use of a diesel water pump during the construction work.