A swift response by the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) failed to save the life of an 8-year-old boy who drowned in a water-filled, abandoned manhole at Blue Rose Estate, Budumburam, on Friday, November 28, 2025.
The incident, which also trapped a second victim, highlights the grave danger posed by poorly secured or neglected infrastructure in residential areas.
The tragedy occurred in the early morning hours, forcing the Budumburam Fire Station to mobilise rapidly after receiving a distress call.
In an update, the Central Regional GNFS PRO, DO II Abdul Hudu Wasiu, narrated that firemen received the distress call at 0740 hours detailing that two boys were trapped in the water-logged pit.
The rescue crew was dispatched immediately, arriving at the scene—a travel time of just 14 minutes—at 0754 hours.
Upon arrival, the team found that the first victim, 16-year-old Andrews, had already been rescued by local residents and rushed to St. Gregory Hospital.
The fire crew then immediately focused their attention on the second, younger victim, 8-year-old Elijah Carbah.
The rescue operation was initiated quickly, and the team successfully retrieved Elijah from the deep manhole.
Elijah Carbah was immediately transported to St. Gregory Hospital to join Andrews for emergency medical attention.
However, despite the GNFS’s swift recovery, the young boy was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
The official report, filed by the Central Regional Public Relations Officer (PRO) on Friday, November 28, 2025, confirmed the heartbreaking outcome:
“The team quickly initiated a rescue operation and retrieved the second victim, 8-year-old Elijah Carbah, who was also rushed to the same hospital, where he sadly passed away.”
Authorities are expected to investigate who is responsible for the neglected manhole that led to the child’s death.
Source: David Apinga
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