Patna: In a tragic incident in Madhubani district, five children drowned and one was injured after they ventured into a deep rainwater-filled pit near Kerwar village under the Patauna police station area on Wednesday. The victims, aged between 9 and 12 years, were residents of the same locality.
Details of the Incident
According to local reports, six children went to bathe in a pit that had been dug for soil excavation using an earthmover machine. Unaware of the pit's depth, they began to struggle and drown one after another. Hearing their cries for help, villagers rushed to the spot and managed to pull all six children out of the water.
Medical Response and Casualties
The children were immediately taken to Benipatti Sub-Divisional Hospital in ambulances and private vehicles. Doctors at the hospital declared five of them dead upon arrival. One child is currently undergoing treatment and is reported to be in stable condition.
Identification of Victims
The deceased have been identified as Soni Kumari (10), daughter of Lalit Pandit; Abhishek Kumar (10), son of Chhote Pandit; Prashant Kumar (12), son of Dinesh Pandit; Rinku Kumari (10), daughter of Dinesh Pandit; and Sneha Kumari (9), daughter of Nunu Pandit. Prashant and Rinku were siblings.
Allegations and Government Action
Ram Vinod Pandit, grandfather of one of the deceased, alleged that the pit was excavated three years ago under a private contract awarded by Leela Jha of Kerwar village. Since then, the pit had been accumulating rainwater, creating a hazardous situation. Benipatti Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) Sharang Pani Pandey confirmed that the victims' families have received Rs4 lakh each as ex gratia compensation. He further stated that legal action would be taken against those responsible for the excavation.
The incident has raised concerns about safety measures and accountability regarding abandoned excavation sites in the region.
