Refer China: 19yo Dies After Falling into College's Trap-Like Septic Tank

Frequent Student Traffic, Yet No Precautions

19yo Student Dies After Falling into College's Trap-Like Septic Tank

On the afternoon of May 19, a tragic accident occurred on the campus of Chongqing College of International Business and Economics. A first-year male student died after accidentally falling into a septic tank following a physical education class, despite rapid response and rescue efforts by firefighters and medical personnel.

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On May 21, a reporter from Fengmian News visited the site and conducted an exclusive interview with the victim's classmate, pseudonymously identified as Yang Fei, who was with him at the time of the incident.

No Warning Signs at the Scene

According to Yang, the accident happened as the two were returning basketball equipment after class. They walked along a stone path across a grassy area adjacent to the court. Several inspection manholes were embedded in the grass, all covered with faux turf. One such manhole, just 5 to 6 meters from the basketball court entrance, lacked a proper cover. Instead, it was topped with a fragile wooden board camouflaged by artificial grass.

"There were no warning signs," Yang recounted painfully. "The board couldn't support his weight. He stepped on it unknowingly and fell right through."

Yang immediately looked into the opening but saw no sign of his friend. He alerted nearby teachers and classmates and called emergency services. Some students tried to rescue the victim but were driven back by toxic gases inside the tank. Firefighters arrived within minutes and took over the scene, eventually retrieving the body around 7 p.m.

Yang himself later experienced respiratory alkalosis due to anxiety and prolonged exposure near the pit, requiring emergency medical treatment, though he has since recovered.

Frequent Student Traffic, Yet No Precautions

Yang noted that the area is frequently used by students either during class or to access restrooms. "No one imagined there was a septic tank hidden beneath the grass. We only knew it smelled bad when we passed."

During a site visit on May 21, Fengmian News observed a stone path through the grassy area, with four exposed manhole covers nearby. The area was sealed off with warning tape and security personnel on duty. Multiple yellow warning signs reading "Danger: Manhole — Do Not Step" and "No Open Flame Near Septic Tank" were newly placed around the site, and several traffic cones surrounded the manhole in question.

Despite the barricades, the smell of sewage was still noticeable. Students confirmed to the media that these warning signs only appeared after the incident.

Grieving Father Speaks Out

Mr. Zhang, the victim's father, told reporters on May 21 that he was still in discussion with school authorities. He expressed tentative satisfaction with the initial compensation offer.

However, he noted that no explanation had been given for the lack of a tank cover, and it remained unclear whether any individuals would be held accountable.

"When I arrived at the school, I cried all night. I couldn't sleep," Zhang said. He recounted what his son's classmate told him — that the pit had been covered with only wooden planks and bricks, without a proper cover, and that the wood was so weak it could crumble by hand.

Investigation Findings and Accountability

On May 22, a joint investigative team issued an official statement confirming that the septic tank involved had major safety flaws and that the college bore serious responsibility for the accident. As a result, the deputy principal in charge was dismissed, and other responsible personnel will be dealt with according to regulations.

Authorities have directed the school to handle follow-up matters properly and to conduct a comprehensive safety inspection and rectification campaign across campus to prevent future incidents.

Source: 新京报, 封面新闻, 九派新闻