By Linus Flomo/BASSA
Tragedy struck over the weekend when a four-year-old boy, Lawrence Dahn, got drowned in an uncovered pit on the outskirts of Buchanan City.
The incident occurred on the morning of Saturday, March 29, 2025. According to family members, the child had been playing in the rain before disappearing, only to be later found lifeless in a water-filled hole intended for a pit latrine.
His 14-year-old aunt, Hannah Samukai, recounted the heartbreaking events leading up to the tragedy.
She said she had scolded the boy earlier for playing in the rain and brought him indoors.
“After the rain stopped, I went outside to wash my clothes. That’s when I realized I didn’t see Lawrence anymore,” she recalled, struggling to hold back tears.
A frantic search ensued, ending in the devastating discovery of his body in a three-foot-deep pit dug by his uncle, Timothy Dahn.
The pit had been left uncovered for four days, raising concerns among community members about safety hazards in the area.
Residents expressed outrage over the preventable nature of the accident, calling for immediate measures to ensure such incidents do not happen again.
Police in Buchanan have launched an investigation into the drowning. Preliminary findings indicate no foul play, according to Liberia National Police Crime Services Division (CSD) Officer Daniel B. Klay.
A 15-member Coroner Jury examined the child’s remains and confirmed the cause of death was accidental drowning.
The remains have since been turned over to his family for burial.
The tragedy has sparked renewed discussions about public safety, particularly regarding uncovered pits and other environmental hazards in urban communities.
Local leaders are urging residents to take greater precautions and ensure potential dangers are addressed before they result in further loss of life.
Meanwhile, authorities in Jecko Town, where the incident occurred, are planning a public meeting to discuss safety measures and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
As the family mourns the loss of young Lawrence, the community has rallied around them, offering condolences and support during this difficult time.
Child Drowns In Uncovered Pit
