Keonjhar, Oct 28: In a tragic incident in Sudung village under Nayakote police station limits in Banspal block of Keonjhar district, two youths died and three others fell critically ill after allegedly inhaling fumes from a generator while sleeping inside a house.

According to reports, the incident occurred while Laxmi Puja celebrations were underway in the village. Five youths had reportedly switched on a generator inside a house and gone to sleep at night. During the night, fumes emitted by the generator are believed to have caused suffocation among all five.

The incident came to light on Wednesday morning when villagers became suspicious after finding that the house door was not opening. They subsequently rescued the five youths from inside the house and rushed them to Banspal Medical Centre.

However, two of the youths died on the way to the hospital. The remaining three, who were in critical condition, were referred to Keonjhar District Headquarters Hospital for further treatment.

The deceased have been identified as Rajendra Samanata and Nitu Samanata, both residents of Sudung village. The injured youths are Jagannath Giri, Prashant Dehury and Niradash Dehury.

The incident has cast a pall of gloom over the village, with residents mourning the tragic loss of two young lives.