A six-year-old boy has died, and his 16-year-old sister is fighting for her life after both fell into a 13-foot abandoned septic tank at Buduburam Blue Estate in the Gomoa East District of the Central Region.

The siblings, both Liberian nationals, had reportedly gone to fetch water from the abandoned tank on Friday morning due to the ongoing water crisis in the area.

According to eyewitness accounts, the little boy slipped and fell into the tank, and his sister, in an attempt to rescue him, also fell in.

A woman who witnessed the tragedy raised an alarm, prompting residents to rush to the scene. The community managed to rescue the girl, but the young boy could not be immediately found.

Personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service later launched a search. The boy was only retrieved after traditional authorities performed libation at the scene. He was taken to St. Gregory Catholic Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Residents told Adom News that the abandoned septic tank has become an alternative water source following severe shortages caused by illegal mining, which polluted the Ayensu River and forced the shutdown of the Agona Kwanyarko treatment plant.

Buduburam Fire Officer Samuel Derrick Morro confirmed the incident.

The Assembly Member for the Buduburam Electoral Area, Emmanuel Dogbe, said he will work with traditional leaders and residents to ensure the abandoned well is covered to prevent similar tragedies.