Child drowns after falling into manhole in FState town

A boy, believed to be aged between 12 and 14, drowned when he fell into an open manhole in Mokodumela in Clocolan in the Free State on Saturday afternoon, paramedics said.

ER24 paramedics were called to the scene after members of the community had seen the boy fall into a large manhole, ER24 spokesman Russel Meiring said.

“Upon arrival, paramedics found numerous members of the community surrounding the uncovered manhole. Rescue services arrived on the scene and used specialised equipment to recover the boy.

“Once recovered, paramedics assessed the boy and found that he showed no signs of life. Sadly, nothing could be done for the boy and he was declared dead on the scene. Witnesses stated that the boy had been playing around the manhole when he lost his footing and fell into the hole. Local authorities will be conducting an investigation into this matter,” Meiring said.

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