Madhubani/Patna: Five children died after drowning in a water-filled pit in Kerwar village under the Patouna police station area of Bisfi block in Madhubani district on Wednesday, police and local residents said.
The victims, aged between 10 and 15 years, had reportedly entered the pit to bathe when the incident occurred. Three children died at the scene, while two others succumbed during treatment after being taken to hospital in critical condition.
Victims identified
The deceased have been identified as:
- Saloni Kumari (12), daughter of Lalit Pandit
- Abhishek (15), son of Chhote Pandit
- Prashant (13), son of Dinesh Pandit
- Rinku Kumar (10), son of Dinesh Pandit
- Sneha Kumari (12), daughter of Nunu Pandit
Prashant and Rinku were brothers.
Incident occurred while children were bathing
According to local residents, the children had gone to a water-filled pit on private land amid high temperatures in the area.
Witnesses said one child appeared to get into difficulty in deeper water, and others entered the pit in an attempt to help. All five subsequently drowned.
Police begin inquiry
After receiving information about the incident, police reached the village and recovered the bodies.
The deceased were sent to Madhubani Sadar Hospital for post-mortem examination. Authorities said further investigation is underway.
Questions raised over excavation site
Villagers alleged that the pit had been excavated using earthmoving equipment for soil extraction and was approximately 10 to 15 feet deep.
Residents claimed there was no fencing or protective barrier around the site despite the potential risk. Some villagers have demanded action against those responsible for maintaining the land.
Village in mourning
The deaths have triggered grief across Kerwar village, with large numbers of residents gathering at the site and at the homes of the victims.
The administration has not yet issued a detailed statement on the circumstances leading to the incident. Investigations are continuing.
