A heart-wrenching tale of survival and unimaginable courage has emerged from the dense forests of Odisha, where a five-year-old boy spent a terrifying night guarding the body of his deceased father and his unconscious mother after a tragic accident.
A Night of Terror in the Sundargarh Forest
The incident unfolded in the Bonal forest under the Hemgir police station limits in Sundargarh district. According to police reports, the family—Mangra Singh (35), his wife Raimati Singh (30), and their young son—had gone to the forest to collect firewood on a seemingly ordinary day. Tragedy struck when the trolley they were using to transport the wood overturned on a steep slope.
The accident proved fatal for Mangra Singh, who died on the spot. His wife, Raimati, was knocked unconscious due to the severe impact of the fall. Miraculously, their five-year-old son escaped with minor injuries, finding himself alone in the deepening forest dusk with his parents incapacitated.
A Child's Incredible Fortitude
Displaying a level of composure and bravery far beyond his years, the young boy did not flee in panic. Instead, he remained by his parents' side throughout the long and frightening night. He kept vigil over his father's lifeless body and his mother, who remained unconscious, amidst the sounds of the nocturnal forest.
As dawn broke, the boy's resolve turned to action. He managed to find his way out of the forest section and reached a nearby village. There, he alerted the villagers about the horrific situation. The villagers immediately informed the local police and forest officials, triggering a swift rescue operation.
Rescue and Aftermath
A joint team from the Hemgir police and forest department rushed to the scene guided by the boy. They recovered the body of Mangra Singh and provided urgent medical attention to Raimati Singh. She was rushed to the Hemgir Community Health Centre (CHC) for treatment.
Police officials confirmed the sequence of events, stating the accident was caused by the trolley overturning. The body of the deceased was sent for postmortem, and an investigation is underway. The community and authorities have been left in awe of the young child's presence of mind and protective instinct in the face of such a devastating personal tragedy.
This incident highlights the perils faced by many forest-dependent communities while also showcasing an extraordinary story of human spirit. The boy's actions, standing guard through the darkness, ultimately led to his mother's rescue and medical care. The family, residing in a village within the Hemgir police limits, is now receiving support as they cope with their loss and recovery.
