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Two children fell into a construction hole.
Vaal Central Water (VCW) in the Free State has sent its condolences to the families of two children who fell into a construction hole and drowned at the weekend in Thabong, Welkom.
The water utility reports that a group of children including the two aged 10 and 11 who drowned were attempting to swim in the excavation hole following the heavy rains.
Community members were alerted by one of the children.
Vaal Central Water spokesperson Lindiwe Mnguni says paramedics were not able to resuscitate the children.
“The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) and VCW convey deepest condolences to the families of the two children and promise that the matter is being investigated and will provide an update once all parties have been consulted including the project contractor.”
Mnguni adds, “DWS and VCW would like to appeal to members of the community to steer clear of areas with trenches as they may pose more danger, especially after heavy rainfalls. We further urge parents in particular to guard children and to keep them away from potholes and storage drains as they pose risks of drowning.”
