On August 12, 2025, a devastating event shook the city of Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh. An 8-year-old girl named Afreen lost her life after falling into an open sewer drain while returning home from her madrasa. The incident occurred during heavy rainfall, which had flooded the roads, turning them into dangerous traps. Afreen was walking near Tile Wali Masjid when she accidentally slipped into the drain, and despite the efforts of bystanders to rescue her, she could not be saved.
Onlookers pull out the body of an 8-year-old girl, who fell into a sewer in an inundated road, while returning home from school in Gorakhpur district of Uttar Pradesh. Was rushed to hospital but unfortunately died. pic.twitter.com/PKjZcqZRC6
— Piyush Rai (@Benarasiyaa) August 13, 2025
The Scene of the Tragedy
The video shared on X by journalist Piyush Rai captures the harrowing moment when locals pulled Afreen's lifeless body from the murky, knee-deep floodwater. The footage shows several men coordinating to lift her out of the drain, their faces filled with urgency and despair. The background reveals a flooded street, with rainwater continuing to pour down, making the rescue even more challenging. This heart-wrenching scene has since gone viral, sparking outrage and sorrow across social media platforms.
The deceased Afreen was rushed to hospital on foot, but couldn't be saved. pic.twitter.com/z4Tk0LBCmM
— Piyush Rai (@Benarasiyaa) August 13, 2025
A Rush to Save Her Life
In another video shared in the thread, we see the community’s desperate attempt to save Afreen. Locals carried her through crowded, flooded streets, navigating past vehicles and pedestrians, all while rushing her to the hospital on foot. Unfortunately, despite their efforts, Afreen was declared dead upon arrival. The image of her lying unresponsive on a hospital bed, covered by a blanket, has become a symbol of the tragedy and the urgent need for better infrastructure.
Public Outrage and Blame
The incident has ignited a firestorm of criticism directed at the Gorakhpur Nagar Nigam, the municipal corporation responsible for the city’s infrastructure. Many argue that the open drain, which was covered by slabs but still posed a severe hazard, is a result of negligence. Social media users have expressed frustration over the lack of accountability, with some comparing the response to other issues that receive more attention. The fact that this happened in the home district of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has only amplified the outrage.
A Call for Change
This tragic event is not just about the loss of a young life; it’s a stark reminder of the dangers posed by poor urban planning and infrastructure in many parts of India. Open drains, especially during monsoon seasons, become deadly traps for unsuspecting pedestrians, particularly children. The death of Afreen highlights the urgent need for safer, more resilient cities that can withstand heavy rainfall without endangering lives.