News / National
'Bulawayo toddler drowns in drainage'
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The Bulawayo Fire Brigade was last night involved in an intense search for a missing toddler who was reportedly swept away by flash floods in New Lobengula suburb.
The child, believed to be between three and four years old, is suspected to have been carried off by strong water currents after falling into a storm drainage system near his home.
A team of firefighters combed through a small stream along Luveve Road, where the boy's body is feared to be trapped. However, thick vegetation and overgrown grass complicated the search efforts, which were ongoing as of 5pm yesterday.
According to a local resident, the toddler's mother had sent him to the shops accompanied by a young friend shortly before the rains began. Concern grew when the children failed to return home on time.
"The boys took too long to come back, and the mother became worried. She started asking around. When the other boy was questioned, he revealed that his friend had fallen into the storm drain," said the resident.
Alarmed by the news, residents quickly formed a search party, scouring the area where the child was last seen. Despite their efforts, they were unable to locate him and called the Fire Brigade for assistance.
Bulawayo Chief Fire Officer, Mr. Mhlangano Moyo, confirmed that a team was conducting a thorough search of the drainage system and stream that stretches from New Lobengula into parts of Luveve suburb.
"We received a report about a missing child who is believed to have been swept into a storm drain by rainwater. Our team is actively searching the area, and we will provide updates as soon as we receive more information," said Mr. Moyo.
"For now, this remains a missing child case."
The child's distraught mother was unable to speak to the news crew.
The incident highlights growing safety concerns during the rainy season. The Civil Protection Unit (CPU) has repeatedly urged members of the public to exercise extreme caution during heavy rains and to closely supervise children, especially near storm drains and flooded areas.
Authorities have also called for improved maintenance of drainage systems to minimize risks during storms, which have become increasingly frequent. The search for the missing child continues.
The child, believed to be between three and four years old, is suspected to have been carried off by strong water currents after falling into a storm drainage system near his home.
A team of firefighters combed through a small stream along Luveve Road, where the boy's body is feared to be trapped. However, thick vegetation and overgrown grass complicated the search efforts, which were ongoing as of 5pm yesterday.
According to a local resident, the toddler's mother had sent him to the shops accompanied by a young friend shortly before the rains began. Concern grew when the children failed to return home on time.
"The boys took too long to come back, and the mother became worried. She started asking around. When the other boy was questioned, he revealed that his friend had fallen into the storm drain," said the resident.
Alarmed by the news, residents quickly formed a search party, scouring the area where the child was last seen. Despite their efforts, they were unable to locate him and called the Fire Brigade for assistance.
Bulawayo Chief Fire Officer, Mr. Mhlangano Moyo, confirmed that a team was conducting a thorough search of the drainage system and stream that stretches from New Lobengula into parts of Luveve suburb.
"We received a report about a missing child who is believed to have been swept into a storm drain by rainwater. Our team is actively searching the area, and we will provide updates as soon as we receive more information," said Mr. Moyo.
"For now, this remains a missing child case."
The child's distraught mother was unable to speak to the news crew.
The incident highlights growing safety concerns during the rainy season. The Civil Protection Unit (CPU) has repeatedly urged members of the public to exercise extreme caution during heavy rains and to closely supervise children, especially near storm drains and flooded areas.
Authorities have also called for improved maintenance of drainage systems to minimize risks during storms, which have become increasingly frequent. The search for the missing child continues.
Source - The Chronicle
