Father Wades Through Drain In Search For Missing Son

KUALA SELANGOR, April 29 (Bernama) -- Driven by desperation, a father waded through a drainage channel for more than 100 metres in a frantic attempt to locate his 10-year-old son feared to have drowned after falling into a drain in Bandar Puncak Alam here yesterday.

Khaizalullinudin Nordin, 45, took the risk upon arriving at the scene, tracing the water flow and checking every drainage opening in search of clues to his eldest child, Khairil Izani, who was swept away by strong currents while playing on a water slide in the area.

“I went into the drain and followed the water flow, hoping to find my son in whatever condition. I did not think about the risks at that moment, my only focus was to find him as quickly as possible,” he said when met here today.

He said the area is often frequented by children, but sudden heavy rain caused water to overflow from surrounding areas, sweeping his son away within moments.

Following the incident, the Selangor Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) launched a search and rescue (SAR) operation, with the search radius now extending up to five kilometres downstream.

The operation is supported by JBPM’s K9 Unit and the Water Rescue Team (PPDA), focusing on narrow and high-risk underground drainage routes.

Khaizalullinudin said he received news of the incident at about 6.30pm from family members and rushed to the scene immediately.

“Without waiting for the official operation to begin, I, along with several friends, started searching along the drainage channels. It was more difficult as I received the information late while I was still at the office.

“With such strong currents, I could only imagine he tried to hold on to something in the drain, but the force of the water may have been too strong,” he said, adding that he has come to terms with God’s will and continues to hope that his son will be found soon.

Meanwhile, Bestari Jaya Fire and Rescue Station operations commander, Azreel Izaidi Ahamad, said efforts are now focused on water catchment areas and nearby treatment plants where the victim may have been carried by the current.

He also advised residents to stay away from the main drainage areas during the SAR operation to prevent further incidents, especially as weather conditions remain unpredictable.

-- BERNAMA