2-year-old trapped for 9 hours in 50ft hole meant for deep tube-well in Rajshahi
The rescue operation began at 5pm after the excavator arrived, and it continues as of tonight
A two-year-old boy has been trapped inside a hole that was dug for a deep tube-well in Rajshahi's Tanore Upazila, for approximately nine hours.
The child, identified as Sajid, fell into the hole in Koelhat village under the upazila's Pachandar Union around 1pm today (10 December), prompting the fire service and local authorities to launch rescue operations.
By 4:30pm, three fire service units, medical teams, and local administration personnel were working tirelessly to rescue him. Despite lowering a camera up to 35 feet, the child could not be located, according to Upazila Nirbahi Officer Naima Khan.
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The opening of the hole is only 8 inches wide and its depth is 40 to 50 feet. An excavator is being used to dig the ground around the hole. Fire Service officials said they will need to dig at least 30 feet deep.
At the same time, the fire service is supplying oxygen to the child through a pipe inserted into the hole.
The incident occurred in a crop field in Panchandar Koelhat Purba Para village. While walking along the village bank with her two children, Sajid, who was walking behind his mother, fell into the tubewell. His one-year-old sibling, Sadman, was in their mother's arms at the time.
Local residents explained that the deep tubewell had been dug several years ago to irrigate the land. When it failed to provide water, the owner removed the pipe and covered the hole with soil. Recent rains in November washed away the soil, reopening the dangerous hole.
Upon hearing the mother's cries, locals immediately rushed to help.
Currently, three fire service units, along with the excavator, are conducting the rescue operation.
Assistant Director Didarul Alam of Rajshahi Fire Service said the child could not be seen even after lowering a camera to about 35 feet, but ventilation and oxygen have been arranged inside the tubewell.
He added that an alternative access route is also being dug nearby, with excavations reaching 25 feet by 9pm.
Upazila Executive Officer Naima Khan confirmed that the fire service is coordinating the rescue while a medical team remains on standby to provide immediate care once Sajid is recovered.
