6-Year-Old Boy Drowns in Kenema Open Well

Police in Kenema have launched a formal investigation into the death of a six-year-old boy who drowned in an open, isolated well in the Lekpetieh Section of the city.

The victim, identified as Salia Sandi, was reportedly playing near the well on Friday11th September 2026, with two other children of the same age when the tragic incident occurred.

According to PC 19106 Agatha Alice Nyagua, Police Media Officer and Gender Focal Person for the Kenema Police Division, one of the playmates immediately ran to alert a local resident, who then notified the child's caregiver. Community members attempted a rescue operation, but the boy could not be saved.

Initial response efforts were managed by the Family Support Unit (FSU). However, given the nature of the incident and ongoing questions surrounding the circumstances, the case has been transferred to the Regional Criminal Investigations Department (CID) for a comprehensive inquiry.

Authorities confirmed that a postmortem examination has been conducted, and the child's remains have been laid to rest. Official autopsy findings remain pending, and police officials stated that further investigative action will depend on the final medical report.

Assuring the public of transparency, PC Nyagua emphasized that investigators are taking all necessary steps to establish the exact sequence of events leading to the child's death, promising to share findings once the probe concludes.

In response to the tragedy, local authorities ordered the immediate closure and securing of the open well to prevent future hazards. Police leadership also issued a urgent plea to parents, caregivers, and community members to heighten supervision of children near waterways, uncovered wells, and other hazardous infrastructure.

PC Nyagua urged residents to maintain community vigilance and report potential safety hazards or suspicious situations promptly to local law enforcement.