On October 28, an 11-year-old elementary school student in Jiyang District, Sanya City, Hainan Province, tragically died after falling into a municipal drainage well near a bus stop. It was reported that the municipal authorities had opened the drainage well cover without setting up warning signs or protective nets.
Mrs. Wu from Sanya released a video on October 28, stating that her 11-year-old brother went missing after school and fell into the sewer while returning home alone after school.
According to reports from “Feidian News”, due to the combined influence of Typhoon “Tammy” peripheral circulation and cold air, heavy rain red warning signals were issued in Sanya, Hainan. All primary and secondary schools as well as kindergartens in Sanya suspended classes starting from noon that day. Day schools arranged for students to leave in shifts, while boarding schools retained students on campus.
After finishing his meal at the after-school care program, Mrs. Wu’s fifth-grade brother was preparing to take a bus home at a bus stop 100 meters away from school when he fell into the sewer, remaining missing for over 20 hours. Mrs. Wu mentioned that there were no warning signs or protective nets around the sewage well, and the two workers who opened the well cover were playing with their phones in the distance.
As reported by “Xiaoxiang Morning News” on October 29, Mrs. Wu stated that the after-school care program did not inquire about or inform parents, allowing her brother to return home on his own. Her brother then arrived at the Xueyu Road bus stop wanting to take a bus home. At that time, the road was heavily flooded, and municipal workers were currently opening the drainage well cover for drainage without any warning signs, people nearby to remind others not to approach, or barriers in place. Due to poor visibility caused by the flooding, her brother accidentally fell into the drainage well, with three adults attempting to grab him but only managing to hold onto his school bag, failing to grasp him.
On the morning of the 29th, a reporter from “Xiaoxiang Morning News” called the Jiyang District Education Bureau regarding the incident, and the staff stated that they were still searching for more information and it was inconvenient to disclose further details over the phone.
At noon, Mrs. Wu informed the media that her brother’s body had been found in the river.
This incident has sparked widespread attention online.
Netizens commented: “With such heavy rain and a red-level heavy rain warning, they should have issued a school closure notice earlier.” “Why didn’t they put up a warning sign? The municipal government bears great responsibility for this.” “The road was heavily flooded and municipal workers were opening the drainage well cover for drainage and then playing with their phones in the distance? There were no warning signs, no one to remind, and no barriers in place?”
“Every year there are so many incidents involving drainage well covers, why is there still no emphasis on safety measures? Clearly, there are hooks around the well intended for safety nets, so why not use them when opening the well cover? And why were the workers so far away from the well and distracted by their phones, are they actually paying attention to the well?”
The official announcement stated that the missing student had tragically passed away. At 11:08 am on the 29th, rescue personnel found the missing student in the river, showing no signs of life. The cause of the accident is currently under comprehensive investigation, and accountability will be pursued.