Five Children Drown in Open Excavation Pit in Bihar’s Madhubani District
PATNA, India — Five children drowned Wednesday after a group went swimming in a deep, water-filled pit left open after soil excavation in Bihar’s Madhubani district, officials said. Two other children were hospitalized in critical condition.
The incident occurred around noon in Kerwar village, under the Patona police station area, in the Raghepura-Yadupatti Chaur area of Benipatti. Preliminary reports indicate the pit had been created earlier during soil excavation with a JCB machine and later filled with water.
According to the station house officer of Patona police station, the children involved were between 12 and 15 years old.
Officials said seven children from the village went to the site to bathe. Several of them, apparently unaware of the pit’s depth, slipped into deeper water and began drowning. Others who tried to help were also pulled into danger, leading to multiple casualties.
Seven pairs of slippers were found near the edge of the pit, indicating where the children had entered the water.
Local residents rushed to the site after learning of the incident and helped pull the children from the water. They were taken to Benipatti Sub-Divisional Hospital in ambulances and private vehicles.
Doctors declared two children dead on arrival, while three others died during treatment. The two surviving children were admitted to the hospital, where their condition was reported to be critical.
District administration and police officials reached the village after the incident and began gathering details. Benipatti Sub-Divisional Officer Sharang Pani Pandey visited the hospital to monitor the situation and speak with medical officials and family members.
Authorities have opened an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the drownings.
The tragedy has sparked anger among local residents, who said deep pits created during soil excavation are often left unattended and without proper safety measures. The deaths have left Kerwar village and nearby areas in mourning. (Source: IANS)
