2-year-old trapped in tube-well shaft for 20 hours; Fire Service continues rescue efforts

The operation to rescue two-year-old Sajid, who fell into an abandoned deep tube well hole in Rajshahi's Tanore Upazila, is still ongoing.

Firefighters dug a 35-feet pit beside the tubewell shaft with an excavator and are not attempting to dig a tunnel to reach the narrow shaft where the child is believed to be trapped.

Didarul Alam, assistant director of Fire Service and Civil Defence, said, "Our rescue team is now creating a tunnel from that pit toward the actual well. If we still cannot locate the child after tunneling, further excavation will not be possible. In that case, we will have to use alternative rescue techniques from inside the same shaft," he said.

He added that the well is estimated to be 150–200 feet deep, and the child could be stuck at any point inside.

Fire service continue efforts to rescuechild who fell into a tubewell shaft on 10 December 2025. Photo: TBS

The incident occurred around 1pm yesterday (10 December), when Sajid fell into the abandoned deep tube well while accompanying his mother near a field close to their home. Locals first attempted to rescue him but failed, after which they informed the Fire Service. Within an hour, the local unit arrived and initiated ventilation efforts. Later, additional units from Rajshahi and Chapainawabganj joined the rescue.

Rescuers initially used a charge-vision camera to detect the child's position but found no trace within 35 feet. This prompted the large-scale overnight excavation beside the well. After completing the 35-foot dig early today, the team has begun efforts to create a horizontal tunnel.

2-year-old trapped for 9 hours in 50ft hole meant for deep tube-well in Rajshahi

Meanwhile, officials from the Fire Service, medical teams, and the local administration have been supervising the operation. Hundreds of anxious residents have gathered at the location, offering prayers for the safe rescue of little Sajid.