Firefighters at the Mpika Town Council have successfully retrieved a newborn baby boy from a pit latrine in Mwamfushi area.
Mpika Town Council Public Relations Officer Mushota Mpundu disclosed the development in an interview with the media in Mpika today.
He said the fire brigade received an emergency call from alert members of the public and immediately dispatched a response team to the scene.
He explained that upon arrival, officers from the fire department descended into the pit latrine and safely retrieved the baby boy at exactly 15:12 hours.
He pointed out that the infant, who was found alive, was rushed to Mpika Urban Clinic for urgent medical attention.
“The baby is currently being treated and monitored by health personnel,” he said.
The public relations officer further disclosed that the mother of the child has not yet been identified.
He has reiterated the council’s commitment to protecting life and responding to emergencies in the district.
Mr Mushota said the matter has since been reported to Mpika Police Station, which has since instituted investigations into the matter.
He has since appealed to members of the public with any information that may help identify the mother or relatives of the child to report to Mpika Police Station or contact the Council Fire Department.
Meanwhile, District Commissioners David Siame has commended Mpika town council fire department for retrieving the infant.
“Saving lives is the most important thing people can do to one another,” he said.
He urged the community to safeguard the lives of children and to use available health, social welfare, and counseling services in times of distress.
Efforts to get a comment from Mpika Police could not materialize by press time
