Bhopal/IBNS: At least eight people died after inhaling a toxic gas in Madhya Pradesh's Kondawat village following a well-cleaning activity, media reports said.

The incident took place on Thursday when villagers were preparing the well for idol immersion as part of the Gangaur festival celebrations.

Five villagers initially climbed down the 150-year-old private well to remove accumulated sludge. However, they soon started sinking into the swampy residue.

Seeing them struggle, three more villagers rushed in to help but were also overcome by the toxic gases and got trapped.

A rescue operation by the district administration, police, and SDRF teams lasted for four hours.

They recovered all eight bodies from the well.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed his condolences and announced a compensation of Rs 4 lakh for the families of the deceased.

He also assured a thorough investigation into the case. A preliminary probe has indicated that toxic gases in the well led to suffocation and drowning.

Devastated by the loss, the villagers have decided to seal the well.