Four Emiratis from a single family died in Fujairah on Saturday as they were overcome by fumes after entering a sewage pit.

According to Fujairah Police, the father of the family was attempting to clean the sewage pit when he fell in.

In an attempt to save him, his two sons and son-in-law also descended into the pit, one after the other. All four died from exposure to noxious gases.

The victims were identified as S.A.R., 50, and his two sons, A.S.A., 24, AZ.S. A., 23, and son-in-law, identified as M.S.M., 37. The incident took place in the Rol Dhana area in Fujairah.

Lieutenant Colonel Dr Saeed Al Hassani, acting director of Media and Public Relations Department in Fujairah Police, told Gulf News that the father was trying to clean the cesspit with a chemical substance. “He entered the hole with the chemical substance but was trapped inside due to suffocation. His sons and son-in-law entered the pit in an attempt to rescue him. They were apparently overcome by the fumes in the cesspit.”

The victims were rushed to Fujairah Hospital, where they were declared dead on arrival. Their bodies were later shifted to the forensic laboratory for a post-mortem and will be handed over later to their family for burial.

Lt Col Al Hassani said Fujairah Police Commander-in-Chief, Brigadier Mohammad Ahmad Bin Ganem Al Kaabi, visited the scene of the incident.

“The tragedy is that they died in their attempts to rescue each other,” Lt Col Al Hassani said.

Personnel from the Criminal Investigation Department and forensic experts rushed to the scene to investigate the incident.

Tony Gonzales, spokesperson of JB Allo Sewage, said a number of safety measures must be taken before entering a sewage pit.

“A person could immediately lose consciousness if he enters a sewage pit before the noxious fumes have been properly ventilated,” Gonzales said. “It is a rule of thumb that no one should descend into the confined space of a sewage pit before ventilation procedures have been finalised.” Gonzales said even after the fumes have been cleared, the person descending into the pit should wear a gas mask, safety gloves, watertight boots and pants, and a harness. In some cases hard hats are also necessary.

“There are many hazards present during sewage clean up, as such the proper safety measures should be adhered to before any attempt to clean up a pit or tank,” he said. “A harness is a must. If a person loses consciousness they can be pulled to the surface by the others.”

Police warned against attempting to clean sewage tanks without professional assistance or safety gear.