A harrowing incident unfolded on Wednesday afternoon in Kadolpur Union, Rauzan Upazila, Chittagong, when a three-year-old boy, Misbah, the son of Saiful Azam, fell into an uncovered deep well near his home. The incident occurred shortly after 3:00 pm, sparking immediate alarm among local residents, who rushed to initiate rescue efforts.
According to family members and neighbours, the well had been dug several years ago under a government project, but the installation of a proper lining or cover was never completed. Misbah reportedly wandered just 30 to 40 feet from his house before falling into the open shaft, disappearing from view almost instantly.
Fire Service Station Officer Adam Ali confirmed that upon receiving the emergency call, three fire service units, equipped with specialised rescue gear, were dispatched to the site. Using a camera, rescuers first located the child approximately 12 feet below ground level. Rescue teams then began carefully excavating the surrounding soil using spades and other tools. After a painstaking four-and-a-half-hour operation, Misbah was successfully retrieved at around 8:00 pm.
“The child’s recovery was made possible after sustained efforts,” said Md. Sajedul Islam, Officer-in-Charge of Rauzan Police Station. “Police personnel coordinated closely with the Fire Service throughout the rescue. The child has now been admitted to the Upazila Health Complex for medical observation.”
The acting chairman of Kadolpur Union was present at the scene and expressed concern over the unfinished well. “This deep well was dug under a government initiative three to four years ago, but for reasons unknown, it was never completed or secured. Incidents like this highlight the urgent need for proper oversight and safety measures,” he said.
The incident has served as a stark warning to the community about the dangers of abandoned or incomplete infrastructure projects. Residents and local authorities are now calling for immediate action to secure all unused wells and hazardous pits in the area.
The following table summarises the key details of the incident:
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Child | Misbah, 3 years old |
| Father | Saiful Azam |
| Location | Kadolpur Union, Ward No. 9, Barua Para, Joynagar |
| Incident Time | 28 January, 3:00 pm |
| Rescue Time | 8:00 pm (4.5-hour operation) |
| Rescuing Agency | Fire Service (3 units) |
| Cause | Uncovered deep well |
| Current Condition | Admitted to Upazila Health Complex |
Local authorities have urged both government and private stakeholders to ensure that all hazardous pits are properly secured to prevent similar accidents in the future, emphasising that proactive measures could save lives.