The girl was playing in the yard when a mounted outside geyser allegedly fell on her on Thursday (6/2).

“Police were called to a house in Thabong where they found the body of an 8-year-old girl,” said Free State police spokesperson Lorraine Earle. “Reports indicate she was underneath a mounted water geyser when it suddenly fell and struck her.”

“Emergency Medical Services personnel were summoned to the scene and, upon arrival, declared the child deceased. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident are ongoing.”

The detective who attended the scene said there was only one child involved in the accident. Welkom Today reported two children were involved and a six-year-old sustained burn wounds caused by the boiling water and a few scratches while her friend (8) was declared dead on the scene by emergency personnel.

Meanwhile, four children are recovering in a Phuthaditjhaba hospital after they were burnt by a fire from a brazier they were sitting around to keep themselves warm.

It is alleged on Monday 27 January police received a complaint about four kids who were burnt by a fire from a brazier. A teenager (17) was cooking on the brazier, which was outside the house and she was struggling with the wet wood.

‘It was later established the container had benzene’

She took out a plastic container from the house containing a transparent liquid, which she thought was paraffin, and threw it into the fire and it exploded. It was later established the container had benzene, not paraffin.

“All four children were taken to the hospital for further treatment. The minor girl wasn’t injured in the process,” said Free State police spokesperson Mmako Mophiring. “The minor girl wasn't injured in the process. An inquiry docket is being investigated.”

OFM News dg