Koida (Sundargarh): In a saddening incident, two minor siblings died after drowning in a water-filled sewage pit near their house in the Koida area of Sundargarh district on Thursday.

According to reports, the incident took place in Kadodihi village. Five-year-old Priya Bhumij had stepped out of the house with her three-year-old brother Manoj, telling her mother she was going to attend nature’s call. At the time, their parents, Shambhu Bhumij and Ganga Bhumij, were having a meal.

When the children did not return for a long time, family members began searching for them. They were later found submerged in a water-filled sewage pit located about 300 metres from their home.

Villagers immediately rushed to the spot, pulled the children out, and took them to Koida Hospital. However, doctors declared both of them dead on arrival.

Meanwhile, their mother, Ganga Bhumij, fell critically ill after learning about the tragedy and has been admitted to a hospital, where she is undergoing treatment.

Police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the incident.