Three Young Men Die Trapped in Oxygen-Starved Well in Robertsville

Robertsville, White Plains Township: A somber cloud has settled over Harts Town in the Robertsville community following the tragic deaths of three men who lost their lives while cleaning a residential well, authorities have confirmed.

The victims have been identified as George Askie (25), Prince Kudah (32), and Sumo Qoingewu (age not disclosed). The incident occurred during what was intended to be a routine well-cleaning exercise but quickly turned fatal under dangerous conditions.

A 15-member coroner’s jury investigated the matter and ruled out any foul play, concluding that the deaths were accidental. According to preliminary findings, the men were contracted by Janneh Hiama, the owner of the well, to clean the structure for a fee of US$150.

Investigators revealed that the men used a water-pump machine inside the well continuously for more than an hour. Authorities say this prolonged operation significantly reduced the oxygen levels inside the confined space. Despite the danger, the men reportedly lacked proper safety equipment, ventilation tools, or oxygen monitoring devices.

Reports indicate that one of the men later descended into the well manually to inspect or continue the cleaning process but failed to resurface. Alarmed by his prolonged absence, the two remaining men entered the well in an attempt to rescue him. Tragically, all three became trapped and were overcome by oxygen deprivation.

Authorities confirmed that the cause of death was asphyxiation due to oxygen depletion, a common risk in enclosed spaces such as wells and pits. A dog that reportedly fell into the well during the incident also died, further confirming the lack of breathable air within the shaft.

Emergency responders, with the assistance of local residents, later retrieved the bodies from the well. The recovery effort drew a large crowd and left the community in shock. Residents described the deceased as hardworking and dependable young men, noting that their sudden deaths have devastated their families and neighbors.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, officials instructed the well owner to refill and permanently seal the well to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Community leaders and safety advocates have also renewed calls for increased public awareness about the dangers associated with confined spaces, including wells, septic tanks, and pits that lack proper ventilation.

As families prepare to lay their loved ones to rest, authorities continue to urge the public to adhere to basic safety standards and seek professional guidance when undertaking hazardous tasks.

Officials emphasized that proper training, safety equipment, and ventilation can mean the difference between life and death in confined-space operations.