Own Correspondent
Tragedy struck in Jotsholo, Zimbabwe, when two villagers lost their lives in a 27-meter deep water well. The Bulawayo Fire Brigade and Rescue Services, along with the Hwange Local Board Fire and Rescue Services, worked tirelessly for 24 hours to retrieve the bodies.
According to Dumisani Nsingo, Hwange Local Board Communications Officer,
“I can confirm that our Fire and Rescue team led by Chief Fire Officer Mbuso Nkomo responded to a call at around 1500 hours on Monday from Lupane where it was said two villagers were trapped in a 27 feet deep well.”
The investigation revealed that the villagers attempted to deepen the well by throwing explosives into it. In an effort to check the well’s depth, one villager was lowered into the water source but failed to respond to calls to secure himself with a rope. Another villager met the same fate, prompting the others to report the incident to the police.
Nsingo explained,
“A call was then made to Hwange Local Board’s Fire and Rescue team. It is strongly suspected that the villagers are likely to have been affected by fumes from the explosives.”
The victims’ bodies were retrieved in a decomposing state due to being submerged underwater during the prolonged rescue operation.
This tragic incident highlights the importance of safety precautions and proper procedures when engaging in hazardous activities.
Zim GBC News©2024