1 feared dead, 3 rescued after farm well collapses

The incident happened on Sunday morning when they were swimming in the well. The villagers rescued three of them — Yugendar (12), Sasi (8), and Vasu (8) — after removing the mud and stones that covered the well with the help of ropes. The missing boy has been identified as Santhosh (12), who is feared to be stuck under the remaining debris. All of them are students from the same school in the village, the police said.

On information, a police team from the Pennalurpet police station arrived at the spot and also alerted the fire and rescue personnel. Fire and rescue personnel searched for the missing boy Santhosh on Sunday till 6 pm and then they started fresh rounds of search on Monday, which was also halted temporarily after 6 pm.

Police personnel and the fire and rescue personnel have decided to drain the water from the well. The 50-ft deep well was almost brimming after the recent rains, said villagers. As the well is 80 years old, the police suspect that the wall would not have been able to withstand the pressure. A case has been registered and further investigation is on.