NONGPOH: In an unfortunate incident, four minors were burnt alive while one sustained grievous injuries in an accidental fire at Umkaduh village, around five kilometres from Nongpoh in Ri Bhoi District on Wednesday morning.
The victims were identified as Wanbha Jynthem (8), son of Saralin Jynthem and Barwel Syngkli; Herbert Jynthem (7) son of Derina Jynthem and Iaineh Syngkli; Saphika Jynthem (7) and Gulabsha Jynthem (5), daughters of Loltina Jynthem. Ksanbor Syngkli (8) was severely injured while two others – Wadbor Makri (9) and Lur Jynthem (8) managed to escape unhurt.
Narrating the ill-fated incident, Umkaduh Rangbah Shnong B Sylliang said the incident occurred when a group of seven minors were playing near a newly- constructed septic tank in the village. While playing, five of the children entered and sit inside the empty septic tank and covered the top with dry grass. Wadbor, one of the two children, who were outside the septic tank, saw an insect and tried to burn it alive, but accidently the dry grass was engulfed in flames trapping the five minors inside the tank. Four of the minors struggled to make their way out of the tank but failed to do so while Ksanbor somehow managed to crawl out sustaining severe burn injuries on his back. The others yelled for help as long as they could but as the spot was an isolated one it took a long time before people could come to their rescue.
It was only after a considerable amount of time that nearby residents heard the cries of the children and rushed to the tank and pulled out the four children trapped inside. Unfortunately Wanbha succumbed to his injuries inside the tank while the three other minors, who were rushed to Nongpoh Civil hospital, were declared brought dead by the doctors.
