Toddler Dies After Falling into Uncovered Well in Morocco’s Larache Province

The tragedy occurred when the child reportedly escaped his mother’s vigilance before falling into an uncovered well located not far from the family home. The minor had drowned before his relatives noticed his disappearance and discovered his lifeless body in the well.

The little boy’s body was extracted from the well by emergency services, accompanied by the Royal Gendarmerie. An investigation has been opened to determine the exact causes and circumstances of this tragedy and to establish responsibilities.

This new tragedy brings back to the forefront the recurring issue of the proliferation of unprotected wells, cisterns, and water reserves in rural areas of the kingdom. These installations represent a danger to populations and children in particular. Numerous cases of minors’ deaths after falls into unsecured wells are recorded each year in summer.

Civil society has continuously called for the implementation of a regulatory framework for well installation in rural areas, as well as awareness campaigns for families to prevent such tragedies and protect children’s lives.