Four Indian expats working at a labor camp in Shahaniya were killed yesterday while cleaning a septic tank, the Indian Embassy in Doha has confirmed.

Speaking to Doha News, an embassy representative said details about the tragedy remain unclear, and that they are awaiting more information from the police.

But sources told the Gulf Times that the men had been subcontracted to clean the tank and suffocated after becoming trapped inside yesterday afternoon, around 3:30pm:

“Two of the four workers who went into the manhole fell unconscious and the others had followed them in a bid to bring them out, sources said.”

The incident raises questions about worksite safety, as septic tanks are poorly ventilated, making it difficult for anyone inside to breathe due to poisonous fumes.

The embassy has already informed the men’s relatives of the tragedy, an official told Doha News. They have been identified as Faisal, 30; Ishaq, 26; Muneer, 20; and Mohamed, 57. All were single and from the southern state of Kerala.

Their bodies are currently in the Hamad Hospital mortuary, and when the necessary paperwork is signed, they will be sent home, the official added. He declined to name the men’s employer.

Does anyone know more? Thoughts?