AL AIN // Three children from two related families died on Wednesday after falling into a well in one of the family homes.
A fourth child, aged four, was rescued and taken to Al Ain Hospital after the incident in Al Nayfa, Hili. The bodies of the three children were taken to the hospital morgue.
The children were playing near the well when the wooden lid covering it collapsed, an Abu Dhabi Police officer said.
A five-year-old Emirati girl and two boys — aged 4 and 5 — drowned.
Major Mohammed Saleh Al Blushi, director of emergencies and safety in Al Ain, said a search and rescue team was sent to the scene as soon as a report was received but it was too late for three of the children.
A police officer urged parents and guardians to look after their children when they are playing outside.
“Well holes should be properly covered with sturdy material to prevent such unfortunate incidents,” he said.
An investigation into the incident is under way, reported The National’s Arabic sister newspaper, Aletihad.
