In a heart-wrenching turn of events, a well-intentioned endeavor to clean a disused well in Senehun Town, Moyamba District, resulted in the loss of a young life, casting a pall of grief over the community.

The incident unfolded on Sunday, March 31st, 2024, shocking residents and prompting questions about safety measures during community projects.

The initiative to address water scarcity challenges in Senehun Town was spearheaded by Mr. Bobor James Gebbeh, who recognized the urgent need for access to clean water, especially during dry seasons. Collaborating with the town’s youth chairperson, Mr. Gebbeh organized the well cleaning operation with the aim of benefiting the entire community.

Tragically, the operation took a devastating turn when two apprentices, Abdul Hassan and Bundu, descended into the well under the supervision of contractor Abu Bakarr Kamara. While inside the well, they were overcome by smoke emitted from the generator used for the cleaning process, leading to their collapse.

Displaying remarkable courage, Abu Bakarr Kamara descended into the well to render aid to the stricken individuals. Despite managing to reach Abdul Hassan and Bundu and provide assistance, a fatal accident occurred during his own extraction from the well. Abu Bakarr Kamara tragically slipped from the rope and fell back into the well, succumbing to his injuries upon impact.

The incident prompted an immediate response from authorities, with the Taiama police station launching an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident. Meanwhile, the community united in mourning the loss of Abu Bakarr Kamara, a dedicated individual whose life was cut short while striving to improve the well-being of others.

As the community grapples with the tragedy, thoughts and prayers are with Abdul Hassan and Bundu as they continue to fight for recovery. Both individuals have been admitted to the community health center in Senehun, where they are receiving medical treatment under the attentive care of healthcare professionals.

The events of March 31st serve as a somber reminder of the imperative to prioritize safety measures during community projects and the critical need for comprehensive training to prevent such devastating accidents in the future.