Race to rescue ‘unconscious’ boy trapped in 400ft well in central India

Authorities say the boy might be unconscious as he was ‘not responding’

Sravasti Dasgupta
Wednesday 07 December 2022 02:20 EST
Comments
(RELATED VIDEO)Leopard lounges around house after ‘terrorising’ Indian city

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Authorities in India’s central state of Madhya Pradesh are racing against time to rescue an eight-year-old boy who fell into a 400-feet deep borewell on Tuesday.

The incident took place in Madhya Pradesh’s Betul district, police said to news agency Press Trust of India.

The boy has been identified as Tanmay Diyawar.

He was playing in the field when he fell into the borewell, which had been dug recently, Aathner police station in-charge Anil Soni was quoted as saying.

State disaster management teams have been rushed from capital Bhopal and Hoshangabad city.

“The rescue operation has been underway since we received the information. Efforts are being made to take out the child. At 2.30am in the night SDRF [State Disaster Response Force], Home guards, and Police teams reached the spot to rescue the child. It might take another two-three hours,” additional district magistrate (ADM) Shyamendra Jayaswal told news agency ANI.

Mr Jayaswal said the boy might be unconscious as he was “not responding.”

State chief minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan has directed local authorities to save the child.

Mr Chauhan tweeted: “The incident of an 8-year-old boy falling into a borewell in Mandvi village of Aathner block of Betul is sad. I have instructed the local administration to take the necessary steps. I am in constant touch with the administration. The rescue team is trying to save the child safely. I pray for the well-being of the innocent.”

Officials said that the child is stuck at the depth of around 60 feet in the borewell.

Earthmoving machines have been brought in and efforts are being made to provide oxygen to the boy.

Last December, a one-year-old girl was rescued from a borewell in Madhya Pradesh’s Chatarpur, reported ANI.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in