THRISSUR: Three employees fainted after inhaling toxic gas from the locker of South Indian Bank branch near Thrissur bus stop in Mapranam Centre. Ima Jacob (24) of Cherpu, P L Lonty (38) of Irinjalakuda and Stephy (23) of Pathanamthitta, clerks of the bank fainted when they went to keep the gold in the locker Monday evening at 6.30 pm. They have been admitted in the ICU of Elite Mission Hospital in Koorkenchery.

Not seeing them after a long time, assistant manager Tinto went in search of them and then found the three lying unconscious. Tinto, who entered the room also developed uneasiness. Immediately, the bank's gold appraiser with the help of locals rushed them to nearby Lal Memorial Hospital. The three who were in critical condition was later shifted to Elite Hospital. The Irinjalakuda Police and Fire Force reached the spot. Police said they suspect the presence of carbon monoxide gas inside the bank.

There was no power in the area for hours on Monday and so generator was used. The windows of the generator room were closed. The police and fire force concluded that the generator was running for more than three hours and this may have reduced the oxygen level or carbon monoxide. More clarity will be obtained only after the lab test.