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A woman in Mpika was rescued on Saturday after a pit latrine collapsed beneath her near the Mpika Urban Clinic, prompting a swift response from the Mpika Town Council Fire Brigade.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by Mushota Mpundu, the incident occurred around 16:31 hours when the fire brigade received a distress call reporting that someone had fallen into a pit latrine close to the clinic.
A rescue crew led by Christopher Silungwe was dispatched immediately.
“Upon arrival, the rescue team conducted a rapid assessment of the situation to determine the safest and most effective rescue method. The team then deployed confined-space rescue techniques and successfully extricated the casualty from the pit,” Mpundu said.
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The woman, whose identity was not disclosed, was safely pulled out and taken to Mpika Urban Clinic for medical attention.
Preliminary findings show she had gone to use the toilet when the structure gave way, causing her to fall in.
Another council official, Mukonde, urged residents to exercise caution when using old or weakened pit latrines, especially during the rainy season when wet ground conditions undermine structural stability.
He advised communities to regularly check and maintain sanitation facilities to prevent similar accidents and encouraged the public to report emergencies promptly.
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