Five-year-old girl, three-year-old brother drown in water-filled pit in Sundargarh
A five-year-old girl and her three-year-old brother drowned in a rainwater-filled pit left open for septic tank construction in Kadodiha village, Sundargarh.
Incident Summary
A five-year-old girl and her three-year-old brother perished in a water-filled pit at Kadodiha village under Koida police limits in Sundargarh district, Odisha, on Thursday. The victims were identified as Priya Bhumij and Manoj Bhumij. Their father, sambhu Bhumij, recounted that the siblings vanished around 10:30 AM while exploring the area after returning from school. He described the morning as clear until the children disappeared, prompting an immediate search involving neighbors and family members.
Cause of the Accident
The tragedy occurred in a pit approximately 6 feet deep and 20 feet wide, which had been excavated by a local resident to build a septic tank. The site was left uncovered during heavy rainfall earlier in the week, allowing water to accumulate to waist-deep levels. Sambhu explained that the children had not seen the pit as they entered the vicinity, likely slipping or walking on a hidden edge. He stated, "They were playing near the muddy edge when they suddenly disappeared into the water. I heard a loud splash but thought nothing of it at first."
Emergency Response
Local residents formed a search party, scouring the area for hours. The family’s frantic calls led authorities to the scene by 6:00 PM. Police from Koida arrived promptly, cordoning off the pit and contacting medical teams at the nearby community health center (CHC). Firefighters attempted to rescue them using a rope but confirmed the children were unresponsive. Priya and Manoj were pronounced dead at 7:15 PM by doctors at the CHC, who attributed the deaths to drowning. Their bodies were then handed over to the district forensic department for postmortem analysis.
Official Statements
A police spokesperson confirmed that the incident is under investigation, with a focus on determining why the pit was left unsecured despite ongoing septic tank construction. The man responsible for digging the pit has been interviewed but not formally charged, as authorities await toxicology reports. Senior officer Ramkrishna Das noted, "The priority now is to ensure no similar risks exist in neighboring areas. We’re advising villagers to report open pit hazards immediately."
Community Reaction
The village of Kadodiha, located 80 kilometers from Bhawanipatany, has been plunged into mourning. Neighbors have organized a public prayer meeting, and officials are distributing relief resources to the family. Sambhu Bhumij, a daily wage laborer, expressed devastation, stating, "We had no idea the pit was so deep. The children were fearless, and I blame our own oversight for not securing the site."
Contextual Background
Sundargarh district, part of Odisha in eastern India, is characterized by rural landscapes where septic tank excavation is common due to limited wastewater management infrastructure. Rainwater accumulation in such pits poses a recurring risk, a factor highlighted by local NGOs following previous incidents in the region. This tragedy has reignited calls for stricter safety protocols around excavation sites.
Next Steps
The postmortem is scheduled to complete by Monday. Meanwhile, the state disaster management authority has dispatched teams to assess the area for potential pit hazards. The family has requested a compensation package and gender-sensitive support for Priya, who was a playful child known for her dreams of becoming a teacher.
Aftermath
The incident has drawn attention to India’s rural safety challenges. Local authorities are reviewing building codes to mandate fencing or warning signs around unsecured pits. Rajiv Sahoo, a town council member, pledged, "We will regularize septic tank construction and collaborate with NGOs to train residents on risk mitigation."
Related Coverage
Who were the victims in the Sundargarh drowning incident?
The victims were Priya Bhumij, aged five, and her brother Manoj Bhumij, aged three, from Kadodiha village in Sundargarh district.
Where did the drowning incident occur in Sundargarh?
The incident occurred in a rainwater-filled pit at Kadodiha village under Koida police limits in Sundargarh district.
What was the pit used for before it filled with water?
The pit had been dug by a neighbour to construct a septic tank and was left open before it filled with water following recent rains.
What actions were taken after the children were found in the pit?
The children were rushed to Koida community health centre where doctors declared them brought dead, and their bodies were sent for postmortem after police arrived for investigation.
Who reported the children missing and what did they say about the pit?
Their father, Sambhu Bhumij, reported the siblings missing on Thursday morning and said the pit was dug by a neighbour for a septic tank, left open, and filled with water after recent rains.
Ansuya Minz
Senior District Correspondent, Sundargarh
Ansuya Minz has covered Sundargarh district for six years, reporting on the steel belt's industry, tribal welfare policy, and the Rourkela sports ecosystem. She is based in Rourkela.
View all articles by Ansuya →
Loading…