Bhubaneswar: At least six people died of suspected asphyxiation inside an under-construction septic tank in Odisha's Kalahandi district on Tuesday, police said.

One person also fell ill in the incident that took place at Kariakhunta village in Madanpur-Rampur police station area, an officer said.

They were engaged in construction-related work inside the septic tank, he said.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has announced a financial assistance of Rs 4 lakh each for the next of kin of the deceased.

"On learning about the tragic accident at a construction site in Madanpur- Rampur, Kalahandi district, which claimed the lives of six people, Chief Minister Shri @MohanMOdisha has expressed deep grief and condolences to the families of the deceased.

"He has also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund (CMRF) to the next of kin of each deceased," the CMO said in a post on X. PTI