By: James Lahai
Thirty-seven-year-old Bill Franklin Flomo has died, while another 37-year-old man, Miatay Miah remains hospitalized following a tragic accident during the routine cleaning of a communal well in Ganta on Thursday afternoon.
Management of Cape FM/TV was informed that the incident occurred after community residents sought assistance to remove debris and accumulated silt from an approximately 20-foot-deep well.
Medical authorities at the Ganta United Methodist Hospital confirmed that Flomo was the first to descend into the well. Witnesses said he had been inside for only a short period when he began showing signs of distress.
According to sources in Nimba County, Flomo started gasping for air and struggled to call for help after being overwhelmed by toxic fumes believed to be a buildup of methane gas and hydrogen sulfide from decaying organic matter inside the well.
Before proper rescue equipment could be secured, Flomo’s friend, 37-year-old Miatay Miah, reportedly entered the well in an attempt to rescue him.
Miah, who had no protective gear, was also overcome by the fumes and collapsed.
Panicked residents raised the alarm and mobilized, using makeshift tools to retrieve both men from the well.
Flomo was pronounced dead before he could be transported to the hospital, while Miah was rushed to the Ganta United Methodist Hospital, where he remains in critical condition under close medical observation.
Local authorities have since warned residents against entering confined spaces such as wells without proper safety equipment, noting that toxic gas accumulation can quickly turn routine activities into fatal emergencies.
