Mayurbhanj, Sept. 25 (UDN): A six-year-old boy died after falling into an uncovered septic tank filled with rainwater at a construction site in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district, triggering allegations of negligence over inadequate safety measures.
The incident occurred on Thursday evening at Nadapur village under Baisinga police limits.
The deceased has been identified as Arjun Bindhani, son of Laxmidhar Bindhani of Nuagaon.
Child Fell While Playing Near Construction Site
According to local sources, Arjun had accompanied his mother, Anjali Bindhani, who was working as a labourer at an under-construction building inside the Nadapur hospital premises.
While playing near the site, the child reportedly wandered close to an unfinished septic tank. The pit had become filled with rainwater due to continuous rainfall, making it difficult to notice.
When the boy could not be found, his mother and other workers began searching the area. Suspecting he had fallen into the water-filled tank, they searched it and pulled him out at around 8.30 pm.
He was rushed to Betnoti Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
Locals Allege Safety Lapses
The tragedy sparked anger among local residents, who alleged that the contractor and site engineer had previously been urged to fence off or cover the unfinished septic tank to prevent accidents.
Villagers claimed that basic safety measures had not been put in place despite the potential risk posed by the open pit.
Investigation Underway
Following the incident, Betnoti Hospital informed the police, and an investigation has been launched to determine the circumstances surrounding the child’s death and examine whether safety norms at the construction site were violated.