A tense rescue operation is underway in Tanor, Rajshahi, where a two-year-old boy named Sajid fell into a deep, narrow hole on Wednesday, 9 December. Despite over nine hours of efforts, rescuers have yet to retrieve the child safely. The incident has gripped the local community, drawing crowds of anxious villagers to the site.
Incident Details
Sajid, the son of Rakibul Islam, was playing in a paddy field in Koelhat Purbo Para village, Pachandar Union, when he fell into an 8-inch diameter borehole, which plunges 35 feet into the ground. His mother had gone to the field to collect rice straw when the child wandered off and accidentally fell into the unfilled hole.
The hole, located on land owned by Kachir Uddin, was originally dug a year ago for irrigation purposes. After failing to find water, the borehole was left uncovered and unattended, creating a dangerous trap.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Child’s Name | Sajid |
| Age | 2 years |
| Father | Rakibul Islam |
| Location | Koelhat Purbo Para, Pachandar Union, Tanor, Rajshahi |
| Hole Depth | 35 feet |
| Hole Diameter | 8 inches |
| Incident Time | Wednesday, 9 December, around 1:15 pm |
| Rescue Teams | Fire Service units from Tanor, Chapainawabganj, and Rajshahi Sadar |
| Life-Support Measures | Oxygen supplied via pipe into the borehole |
| Excavation Aid | Excavator digging soil beside the hole |
Rescue Operation
Fire Service personnel from three units have been mobilised, working tirelessly to bring Sajid to safety. To sustain him, oxygen is being pumped into the borehole via a pipe, while a nearby excavator is digging to widen the hole for easier access.
Didarul Alam, Assistant Director of the Rajshahi Sadar Fire Station, explained:
“Before our arrival, locals attempted to rescue the child, but soil fell inside the borehole, complicating matters. We have sent cameras down to locate him, but due to the commotion and crowd, it is difficult to ascertain any response from Sajid. Our primary goal is to ensure he remains alive while excavation continues.”
Community Response
The local population has gathered in large numbers, watching with growing anxiety as rescuers battle the challenging conditions. The rescue operation highlights the dangers of abandoned boreholes in rural areas, particularly those left uncovered and neglected.
Officials continue to stress caution and coordination, ensuring every possible measure is taken to retrieve the child safely. The community remains hopeful as the painstaking rescue effort continues into the night.
The operation underscores the importance of safety measures around unused construction sites, particularly deep boreholes, which pose hidden threats to children and villagers alike.