Young child trapped in borehole rescued: Rescue confront their worst nightmare

By JA Fleischman, Free State College of Emergency Care (FSCoEC)

On Friday, 13 December 2024, a three-year-old boy went missing around 13h00. His distressed parents initiated a search and ultimately located him at approximately 19h00 in an unused borehole situated about 30 kilometres northwest of Bloemfontein in the Free State, South Africa.

A large-scale rescue operation was launched involving Mangaung Fire and Rescue Service, the Emergency Medical Services (EMS), ALS and Rescue Free State College of Emergency Care (FSCoEC), Search and Rescue South Africa (SARZA) Free State and various other emergency services.

The child had accidentally fallen approximately eight metres deep into a narrow borehole, prompting an urgent response.

The borehole presented significant challenges to the rescue operation due to its confined space, narrow diameter of approximately 230 millimetres and precarious structural condition. Upon arrival, the SARZA Free State established a mobile command post.

First responders assessed the borehole’s structure and determined the child’s position below the surface. Firefighters, paramedics and specialised rescue teams immediately began evaluating and preparing the scene for extraction.

Thank goodness, the three-yearold boy was responsive and audible during the assessment. The area surrounding the borehole was secured to prevent further accidents or collapses. Equipment such as confined space communication devices, rope technical gear, excavation tools and machinery were brought to the site by local farmers, community members and businesses to assist in the rescue efforts.

After working throughout the night, the three-year-old was successfully rescued at approximately 05h35 on the 14 December 2024. Immediate medical evaluation was conducted by paramedics on-scene, followed by transportation to the hospital for further observation and care. The well was sealed immediately after the rescue to prevent future accidents.

The successful rescue of the threeyear-old boy was a testament to the prompt coordination and expertise of all the emergency response teams and members of the public and local businesses.

Let us delve deeper into the miracle of the borehole and explore what we know and what we have learned.

Borehole rescue operations have gained attention due to the increasing number of children falling into uncovered boreholes/ wells, particularly in rural areas. Various innovative approaches and technologies have been developed to enhance the efficiency and safety of these rescue missions.

Challenges in borehole/well rescues

Borehole/well rescues, particularly involving children, present numerous challenges that significantly impact the success rates of these operations. Despite advancements in techniques and equipment, the statistics reveal a concerning trend. The complexities of these rescues arise from various factors, including environmental conditions, operational limitations, and the nature of the incidents.

Depth and structure of bore wells

Bore wells can reach depths of up to 1 500 feet, creating significant difficulties for rescuers. The depth often complicates access and increases the time required for rescue operations.

The diameter of boreholes/ wells typically ranges from 6 to 12 inches, making it difficult to manoeuvre equipment and rescuers effectively.

Environmental conditions

Unknown levels of humidity, temperature and oxygen at the depths of bore wells pose serious risks to trapped children and complicate rescue efforts. High humidity can lead to hyperthermia, while low oxygen levels cause suffocation.

Rescuers often face challenges related to soil conditions (rocky, sandy or soft), which can affect digging operations and the stability of the surrounding area.

Time sensitivity

The urgency of these rescues is critical; a delay can be fatal. The average time taken for successful rescues is often extended due to the need for careful planning and execution.

Each moment counts as prolonged entrapment can lead to severe injuries or death due to environmental factors or trauma from falling debris during digging operations.

Resource limitations

Effective rescue operations require substantial resources, including heavy machinery, medical teams and trained personnel. Often, these resources are not readily available in remote locations where many accidents occur.

The lack of supportive infrastructure in rural areas exacerbates these challenges, making it difficult to mobilize necessary equipment quickly.

Psychological factors

The emotional distress experienced by both the victims and their families can complicate rescue efforts. Maintaining communication with trapped individuals is crucial but challenging due to the depth and narrowness of bore wells.

Safety concerns

Traditional methods often pose risks both to the trapped individual and rescuers, making robotic and automated solutions preferable.

Children trapped in boreholes face several critical risks that can jeopardise their safety and survival.

Oxygen deprivation

One of the most immediate dangers is the lack of oxygen in the confined space of a borehole. As time passes, oxygen levels can drop significantly, leading to hypoxia, which can cause unconsciousness or death if not addressed quickly.

Hyperthermia

The temperature inside a borehole can rise rapidly, especially in warmer climates. Increased temperatures combined with humidity can lead to hyperthermia, which poses a serious health risk and can be lifethreatening if the child remains trapped for an extended period.

Physical injuries

The process of falling into a borehole can cause physical injuries to the child, such as fractures or trauma from hitting the sides of the hole. Additionally, during rescue attempts, there is a risk of exacerbating these injuries if not handled carefully.

Psychological trauma

Being trapped in a dark, confined space can lead to severe psychological stress and trauma for children. This can manifest as panic attacks, anxiety or longterm psychological effects even after rescue.

Dehydration and malnutrition

If a child is trapped for an extended period without food or water, they may suffer from dehydration and malnutrition, which can further complicate their condition and reduce their chances of survival.

Infection risks

Depending on the conditions within the borehole and how long the child is trapped, there may be risks associated with infection from dirt or contaminants present in the borehole environment.

Rescue delays

The complexity and timeconsuming nature of rescue operations can lead to significant delays in reaching the child. This time factor is crucial, as any delay increases the severity of all risks

Most common causes of borehole/well accidents

Borehole/well accidents, particularly involving children, are a tragic reality in many regions, all over the world. The most common causes identified in borehole/well incidents are:

Children falling while playing

A significant number of accidents occur when children fall into bore wells while playing nearby. This is often due to a lack of supervision and awareness about the dangers of open boreholes/wells.

Unclosed or abandoned boreholes/wells

Many bore wells remain uncovered or improperly sealed after they are no longer in use. This creates hazardous conditions, as children can easily fall into these deep holes.

Temporary or flimsy covers

In some cases, bore wells are covered with inadequate materials that can easily be displaced. These temporary covers do not provide sufficient protection against accidental falls.

Lack of warning signboards

The absence of clear warning signs near bore well sites contributes to the risks, as potential dangers are not communicated effectively to the public.

Blocking visibility

In some instances, vegetation or other obstructions can block visibility around holes/wells, making it difficult for parents and guardians to supervise children effectively.

Delayed response to incidents

When accidents occur, a lack of immediate response can exacerbate the situation. Delays in rescue operations can lead to tragic outcomes, as time is critical in such emergencies.

Public awareness and inspection failures

By addressing the causes of bore well accidents through improved public awareness, stricter regulations and prompt action on unused wells, communities can significantly reduce the risk of these tragic incidents. A proactive approach involving education, regulation and community engagement is essential to safeguard vulnerable populations, particularly children, from the dangers posed by open boreholes/wells.

Miracle in the borehole: Rescuers race against time to save trapped child

The complexity of these rescues is compounded by various technical challenges and the urgent need for effective solutions.

Rescue teams are engaged in a frantic operation to save a child trapped in a borehole, highlighting the urgency and challenges faced during such critical situations. The child, who has been stuck for several hours, is alive but in need of immediate assistance.

Rescuers are thinking of employing heavy machinery and specialised techniques to remove soil if needed without risking further collapse, as they battle against time and the elements. As the situation unfolds, the hope remains that the child will be safely rescued from this harrowing ordeal.

The rescue team faced several emotional challenges during the operation to save a child trapped in a borehole 8m below with the possibility of injuries and less oxygen.

Emotional distress

Rescue workers often experience high levels of psychological distress, the pressure of potentially failing to save a life can exacerbate these feelings, leading to significant emotional strain.

Anticipation and anxiety

During the rescue operation, the team likely felt a mix of anticipation and anxiety as they awaited updates on the child’s condition. The uncertainty surrounding the situation can create a tense atmosphere, heightening emotional stress for the rescuers as they grapple with fears of the worst outcomes.

Burden of responsibility

Rescue workers bear the heavy burden of responsibility for the lives they strive to save. This profound sense of duty can lead to feelings of guilt or inadequacy, especially if they perceive any delays or obstacles in the rescue efforts, which can further impact their mental well-being.

These emotional challenges underscore the complex psychological landscape that rescue teams navigate while performing their critical roles in life-threatening situations.

Considering this, we took a moment as a team to pause and ask God for help in coping, planning, and leading us with the emotional stress associated with our demanding work.

Team support and structure

A strong sense of teamwork provides emotional support among team members. Wellcoordinated efforts and solidarity helped reduce feelings of isolation and strain during highstress situations. Experienced personnel supported less experienced colleagues, creating an environment where mutual support was emphasised.

These strategies collectively aimed to enhance the mental wellbeing of rescue workers, enabling them to perform their critical roles while minimising the emotional toll of their challenging work.

The danger of a borehole rescue is significant due to various factors that complicate the process and increase risks for both the trapped individual and the rescuers.

Challenges in borehole rescue operations

Time sensitivity

Rescues often take an extended period, sometimes exceeding 30 hours, which can be critical as trapped individuals may face lifethreatening conditions such as suffocation or dehydration. The longer the delay, the higher the risk of fatality.

Physical risks

Traditional methods involve digging a parallel hole to reach the trapped individual. This approach poses several hazards:

• Cave-ins: The excavation can lead to collapses, endangering both rescuers and the trapped person.

• Injury during rescue: Tools and machinery used in digging can inadvertently harm the trapped individual, especially if they are not carefully managed.

• Resource limitations: Effective rescue requires significant resources, including heavy machinery and skilled personnel. In many cases, these resources are not readily available, leading to delays and ineffective rescue efforts.

• Environmental hazards: Boreholes may contain harmful gasses or contaminants that can pose additional risks during rescue operations. For instance, oxygen levels can drop significantly in confined spaces, complicating efforts to provide adequate breathing support.

• Psychological impact: The stress of being trapped can lead to panic and psychological trauma for the individual involved, complicating their physical condition and response to rescue efforts.

The environment inside a borehole significantly impacts the rescue process, introducing various challenges that can complicate and prolong efforts to retrieve a trapped individual.

Atmospheric conditions

• Oxygen levels: The air quality within a borehole can deteriorate quickly, leading to low oxygen levels. This poses a serious risk to the trapped individual and complicates rescue efforts, as rescuers must ensure adequate ventilation or oxygen supply during the operation.

• Temperature variations: Boreholes can experience extreme temperature changes, which can affect the physical condition of the trapped person and the equipment used in the rescue.

Structural stability

• Risk of collapse: The walls of a borehole may be unstable, especially if they are not properly cased or if the surrounding soil is loose. This instability can lead to cave-ins during rescue operations, putting both the trapped individual and rescuers at risk.

• Water accumulation: If a borehole collects water or slurry, it can create additional hazards such as drowning risks or complicating access to rescue equipment.

Contamination risks

Pollutants and hazards: Boreholes may be susceptible to contamination from nearby sources, such as septic tanks or industrial waste. This contamination can pose health risks to both the trapped individual and rescuers, necessitating precautions to avoid exposure to harmful substances.

Accessibility challenges

• Narrow space: The confined space within a borehole limits movement and makes it difficult for rescuers to manoeuvre tools and equipment effectively. This constraint can slow down the rescue process significantly.

• Equipment limitations: Specialised equipment may be required to navigate the unique conditions of a borehole, which may not always be readily available or easy to deploy.

Psychological factors

Panic and stress: The environment inside a borehole can induce panic in the trapped individual due to darkness, confinement and uncertainty about their fate. This psychological state can complicate communication with rescuers and hinder effective rescue strategies.

Several safety measures are implemented to prevent borehole collapse during a rescue operation. These measures are crucial for ensuring the safety of both the trapped individual and the rescuers.

Protective systems

• Shoring: This involves installing support structures to stabilise the walls of the borehole and prevent cave-ins. Shoring systems must be designed by a professional engineer if the borehole is deeper than 20 feet.

• Sloping and benching: Creating sloped walls or benches can help reduce the risk of collapse by distributing the weight of the surrounding soil more evenly.

Atmospheric testing

Conducting atmospheric testing is essential, especially in deeper boreholes, to check for hazardous gases and oxygen levels. If unsafe conditions are detected, appropriate emergency equipment must be provided to ensure safety during rescue efforts.

Gas detection

Rescue teams utilise gas detection technology to monitor air quality within the borehole. This ensures that rescuers are aware of any hazardous gases present, allowing them to take appropriate precautions before entering or conducting operations in the confined space.

Cameras and lighting

High-resolution cameras and LED lighting systems are deployed inside boreholes to provide visibility of the trapped individual. This technology aids in assessing the situation and planning the safest approach for extraction without compromising space or safety.

Safety protocols

Rescue plans: Comprehensive rescue plans are developed that outline specific procedures for dealing with confined spaces, including safety measures for rescuers, equipment needed and communication strategies during the operation.

Controlled excavation techniques

Directional boring: This method minimises surface disruption and reduces risks associated with traditional trenching techniques. It allows for safer access to the trapped individual without extensive excavation that could destabilise the borehole.

Safe access and egress

Providing safe access points, such as ladders or ramps, ensures that rescuers can enter and exit the borehole safely without compromising its structural integrity.

Monitoring during drilling

During drilling operations, monitoring material return and maintaining clear annulus around drill rods help prevent uncontrolled soil movements and pressure build-up that could lead to collapse.

Expert involvement

Engaging experienced professionals in borehole drilling and rescue operations ensures adherence to best practices and safety protocols, reducing risks associated with structural failures.

Borehole collapse during rescue operations can occur due to various factors, each contributing to the instability of the borehole structure.

Geological factors

• Soil composition: Boreholes drilled in loose or unconsolidated soils, such as clay or sand, are more prone to collapse. These soil types may not provide adequate support for the borehole walls, especially if proper casing is not installed.

• Rock formations: The type of rock encountered during drilling can affect stability. Soft or fractured rocks may require additional support to prevent collapse.

• Water table fluctuations

• Changes in groundwater levels can exert varying pressures on borehole walls, increasing the risk of collapse. Seasonal rains, droughts or over-extraction of water can lead to significant fluctuations that destabilise the surrounding soil structure.

Environmental factors

• Natural events: Heavy rainfall, earthquakes or flooding can destabilise boreholes by causing soil erosion or shifting the geological structure around the borehole.

• Vibrations from nearby construction: Activities such as construction work nearby can create vibrations that weaken the borehole walls, leading to potential collapse.

Rescue teams undergo extensive training to prepare for a variety of challenging emergencies.

Their training equips them with the necessary skills and knowledge to respond effectively and safely. These specialised training are essential for ensuring the safety of both rescuers and victims.

• Rope rescue systems• Patient care and movement• Incident command system (ICS)• Safety protocols• Scenario-based training• Specialised equipment• And much more……

The role of the Incident Command System (ICS) in borehole/well rescues

The Incident Command System (ICS) is pivotal in managing borehole/well rescue operations effectively. It provides a standardised, allhazard approach that enhances coordination among various agencies during incidents.

Structured leadership and decision-making

ICS establishes a clear hierarchy with defined roles, enabling quick and informed decision-making. This structure ensures that each team member understands their responsibilities, which is vital during high-pressure situations where timely decisions can save lives.

Enhanced coordination among agencies

ICS promotes collaboration among multiple agencies by providing a common language and standardised procedures. This unified approach allows various responders to work seamlessly together, reducing confusion and improving operational efficiency during complex incidents like natural disasters or large-scale emergencies.

Scalability and flexibility

The ICS framework is designed to adapt to incidents of varying sizes and complexities. It can expand or contract based on the needs of the situation, allowing for the efficient allocation of resources and personnel as the incident evolves. This flexibility is essential for managing emergencies effectively without overwhelming the system.

Improved communication

ICS training emphasises clear communication protocols, which are critical for sharing information among responders and with external stakeholders. This clarity helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures that all parties are aligned on objectives and strategies during the response effort.

Objective-driven management

ICS focuses on setting clear, measurable objectives that guide operations. Regular reviews of these objectives ensure that the response remains aligned with the evolving needs of the incident, allowing teams to adjust their strategies as necessary.

Resource management

Training in ICS equips responders with skills to manage resources efficiently. This includes logistical support for securing necessary personnel, equipment and supplies, which is vital for maintaining operational effectiveness throughout an incident.

Safety and accountability

The structured nature of ICS enhances safety by promoting a proper span of control and accountability among team members. Each role within the system is designed to ensure that personnel are monitored and supported throughout the incident, reducing risks associated with emergency operations.

Conclusion

As we successfully conclude our borehole rescue operation on Friday, 13 and 14 December 2024 of the three-year-old boy, expressing our sincere gratitude to everyone involved, is essential. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the dedicated individuals and teams who played a vital role in this borehole rescue operation. Your unwavering commitment, expertise and quick response made a significant difference in a critical situation.

To the rescue personnel who worked tirelessly under challenging conditions, your bravery and determination did not go unnoticed. We appreciate the long hours you spent coordinating efforts, ensuring safety and providing care.

To the medical teams who were ready to assist, your preparedness and compassion were crucial in supporting those affected. Your skills in emergency care have undoubtedly saved lives.

We also want to thank the community members and volunteers who rallied together to provide support and resources during this time. Your solidarity and willingness to help exemplify the strength of our community.

This rescue was not just a testament to your professional capabilities but also to your genuine humanity. Thank you for being there when it mattered most.

We have not only achieved our immediate goals but have also gained valuable insights that will enhance our future efforts. Let us carry forward the lessons learned and remain committed to our mission of safety and excellence in all our efforts. Thank you for your hard work and professionalism.

This successful rescue not only highlights our capabilities but also reinforces our commitment to safety and excellence in all our operations.

A graphic illustration of the borehole rescue