Three workers in Japan died Friday after losing consciousness while repairing sewer pipes down a manhole in the city of Oga, Akita Prefecture.
The incident happened around 9:30am. First, one worker collapsed, then two coworkers collapsed while trying to rescue him, reports The Japan Times.
A similar incident happened last month in Kolkata, India.
Sewer gases can include highly toxic hydrogen sulphide and ammonia.
The men had been working underground since early that morning on a sewer-pipe replacement project, local authorities said.
Another coworker found them unconscious shortly after.
Police said the men, aged 29, 44 and 62, were taken to hospital but were later confirmed dead.
Police closed a nearby road as a precaution. They are investigating the incident, and have warned nearby residents to exercise caution.
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