By ALICE NACHILEMBE
A-tragic incident occurred in Masaiti District on December 8, 2024, when two brothers, Charles and Evans Sipunga, became trapped at the bottom of a 30-meter-deep water well they were digging. The accident happened at Ulu Village, where the well is located on a farm owned by Edward Chisulo.
According to Copperbelt Police Commissioner Peawell Mweemba, Charles Sipunga, a local specialist in digging water wells, was hired by Chisulo to re-dig the well and find water. On December 5, 2024, Charles assessed the situation and promised to return with someone more experienced.
On December 8, 2024, Charles returned with his elder brother Evans to continue the job. However, Evans stopped responding due to lack of oxygen, prompting Charles to attempt a rescue. Unfortunately, both brothers became trapped at the bottom of the well.
Members of the public managed to retrieve Evans alive at 17:20 hours and took him to Silangwa Clinic, where he was admitted in a stable condition.
Unfortunately, Charles was retrieved by a firefighting team from Fire Brigade Ndola at 19:24 hours, but he was unconscious and was later pronounced dead at Ndola Teaching Hospital.
