TUMPAT, April 26 — A Form Five student went through a frightening ordeal after falling into a disused well at a school in Wakaf Bharu, just moments before he was due to sit for an important examination.
The incident occurred at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agama (SMKA Falahiah) on Sunday morning, involving a 17-year-old male student who is currently sitting for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM). The student reportedly fell into a well measuring about 5.4 metres deep while waiting for his examination to begin.
According to the Fire and Rescue Department, an emergency call was received at 9.12am. A fire engine from the Wakaf Bharu Fire and Rescue Station, along with six personnel, was immediately dispatched to the scene. The team arrived at the school at approximately 9.23am and found the victim trapped inside an old well that was no longer in use.
Operations Commander Senior Fire Officer I Azmi Sulaiman said initial investigations revealed that the student had been sitting on the cement cover of the well when it suddenly gave way. The collapse caused him to fall into the well, which still contained water at a level of about 0.3 metres, reaching up to his waist.
Rescue personnel acted quickly, deploying specialised equipment including ropes and ladders to retrieve the victim. The student was successfully brought out within about five minutes of the rescue operation.
“The victim suffered minor head injuries and several light wounds on his body. He was conscious during the rescue and was immediately handed over to the Ministry of Health Malaysia medical team for further treatment,” Azmi said when contacted.
The operation was brought under control at 9.34am and concluded fully by 10am.
The swift response by the firefighters ensured that the situation did not escalate into a more serious incident. Authorities are expected to review safety measures at the school, particularly concerning unused structures that may pose risks to students.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining school facilities and ensuring that hazardous areas are properly secured to prevent similar accidents in the future.
