Madurai: A holiday afternoon turned into tragedy in Karuppayurani, Madurai, when two cousins drowned in a rainwater-filled abandoned quarry pit, reigniting concerns over the safety of such neglected mining sites.
The tragic incident
The victims were identified as Ashiq Raja (3), son of Sultan Khan from Pandian Kottai, and Syeda Ali Sahana (9), daughter of Pukhari Khan from Narimedu. According to police, the children were playing near their homes on Sunday when they wandered off to a nearby deep quarry pit, once used for limestone extraction but now filled with rainwater.
Eyewitnesses reported that Ashiq Raja accidentally slipped into the water. In an attempt to rescue him, Sahana jumped in but was also overcome by the depth and currents. Family members rushed to the site, but both children were retrieved lifeless.
Their bodies were taken to Government Rajaji Hospital in Madurai for a post-mortem examination.
Investigation under way
A police officer told NDTV, “Investigation is on to find out if any violations were there in the way the quarry pit was abandoned after mining.”
The quarry, believed to be several decades old, had no fencing or warning signs, raising questions about negligence.
Locals express anger
The incident has fuelled outrage among locals, who allege that dozens of such abandoned quarry pits — some over 100 feet deep — remain open across Karuppayurani, Sakkimangalam and neighbouring areas. Residents claim these sites have caused multiple deaths over the years, often involving unsuspecting children or villagers who enter to play or bathe.
Call for preventive measures
Community activists and residents are urging authorities to take immediate action by fencing off dangerous sites and installing warning boards to prevent further tragedies. They argue that despite repeated incidents, no comprehensive safety measures have been implemented.
A recurring hazard
According to residents, the issue of abandoned quarry pits has persisted for years, with heavy rains turning them into deceptively inviting water bodies. Without barriers or public awareness campaigns, these sites continue to pose a fatal risk to the community.