Child rescued from Kasungu National Park septic tank

What started as a normal tourism visit to Kasungu National Park last Thursday turned into a near tragedy for Memory Wright when her seven-year-old child fell into a septic tank secured only by a piece of iron sheet.

In an interview yesterday, she said the family, which was visiting from the United Kingdom, was shocked by the incident and concerned that the management did not support them timely.

“We had toured the park and my son was just walking about collecting bottle tops. I heard the snapping of the tank cover and when I turned around, I was shocked to see my son falling into the tank,” said Wright.

She said fortunately, they were nearby and rushed to rescue the boy from the tank.

In a separate interview, National Parks and Wildlife director Brighton Kumchedwa said the report he received shows that the child was left unattended as his parents were somewhere.

“The manhole was secured with some stones around it and covered with an iron sheet to ensure that no one falls into it as we wait for maintenance work, but children are always curious,” he said.

Kumchedwa said they sympathise with the family for the accident.

The victim was taken to the hospital and is currently fine.