- Tourist Engulfed by Pit: Rescue Efforts Prolonged for Three Days
While strolling with her family towards a local temple in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, an unexpected incident occurred. The pavement suddenly gave way, leaving a 48-year-old Indian tourist plummeting into an eight-meter-deep hole. Footage of the incident circulating online shows the woman walking on the sidewalk, then inexplicably, a hole appears beneath her, causing her to fall into the abyss. Amazingly, a nearby man manages to grip the edge of the hole and avoid a similar fate.
The unfortunate incident took place early on a Friday morning, approximately 8:30. Since then, rescue operations have been intense. Initially, heavy machinery was employed to clear the site of debris and rubble. Following that, rescue teams were lowered into the pit to search for the missing tourist.
Challenging Rescue Operation in Kuala Lumpur
The cause of the pit is believed to be an anomaly in the city's limestone soil, which disrupted groundwater flow, leading to instability and eventually, the formation of the pit. The pit contains sewer pipes and gas lines, complicating the already daunting rescue efforts, particularly with the consistent intermittent rain showers. In addition, the constricted space makes maneuvering quite difficult for the rescue teams.
The Kuala Lumpur police chief reported to media at the scene that the victim might have been swept away by a powerful underground current. The primary focus of the rescue teams now is a chamber with strong currents, where the missing woman is presumed to be trapped.
The tourist had been visiting the city for two months with her husband and other companions. In the wake of the search, authorities have provided the family with food, lodging, and an extension of their visas.
References: "The Straits Times", BBC, "The Star"
The tourist who fell into the pit was from India, currently residing in Malaysia for a two-month visit with her family. Despite the challenging conditions, including unstable ground, sewer pipes, and gas lines, rescue operations continue in Kuala Lumpur.
