UMERKOT: Two sanitation workers lost their lives while as many were left in critical condition after inhaling poisonous gases while cleaning a clogged drainage in Umerkot on Saturday.

The deceased were identified as Raj Kumar and Suraj whereas those who were in serious condition as Ravi Kumar and Chaman Lal.

They were cleaning a large drain in the Manu Malhi area where Raj and Suraj entered first without any protective gear and collapsed after inhaling the toxic gases trapped inside the sewer. Seeing that, Ravi and Chaman tried to save them but they also became unconscious.

Local residents rushed to the scene and managed to pull them out. They were shifted to the Civil Hospital Umerkot for treatment but Raj and Suraj were declared dead upon arrival.

Labour unions and civil society activists condemned the incident and held the municipal committee responsible for the `criminal negligence.