Fire service rescues child Sajid after day-long efforts

In a dramatic rescue operation that lasted 32 hours, fire service and civil defence officials successfully rescued Sajid, a young boy who had fallen into an abandoned deep tube-well shaft in Rajshahi.

Following his rescue, Sajid was taken to Tanore Upazila Health Complex in Natore for medical attention.

The incident took place on Wednesday afternoon in Koelhat village under Panchandar union. Sajid had been walking through a field with his mother and brother when he unexpectedly slipped into a hidden deep tube-well shaft. The ground was covered with straw, concealing the dangerous pit beneath. His mother, unaware of the hazard, only realised the tragedy when she heard his cries and lifted the straw to find the hole.
According to locals, the tube well had been installed last year by a resident who abandoned it after failing to reach water at a depth of 120 feet. The shaft was left uncovered and heavy rains later enlarged its opening. Villagers have criticised the lack of safety measures, calling the accident preventable.

Rajshahi Fire Service Station Assistant Director Didarul Islam confirmed the information and said that they had vowed to continue the rescue operation until Sajid was recovered, dead or alive.

AM