Two dead after toxic fumes from banana store

Hassan: Two people suffocated to death and one survived after they entered a 10-feet deep specially designed underground store meant to ripen bananas artificially in Hanchihalli village of Hassan taluk.

The deceased are identified as Venkatesh (45) and Manjegowda (51). Basavegowda, who survived in the accident, has been shifted to Bengaluru for treatment.

It is gathered that the bananas for the annual ritual at Chandikamba temple were kept inside the underground store and chemicals were sprinkled on them a week ago on Sunday the trio entered the store to take bananas. Venkatesh and Manjegowda reportedly died immediately after they got entered the store and breathed in the poisonous fumes from the chemicals. Meanwhile, Basavegowda was immediately rushed to the hospital.