Teen trapped, drowns in breached water facility

The longstanding dangers posed by unauthorised entry into National Water Commission (NWC) facilities were brought into tragic focus on Wednesday when a 16-year-old boy drowned at the Red Road water storage tank in Palmers Cross, Clarendon – a site residents admit has been repeatedly breached for years despite posted warning signs.

The deceased boy has been identified as Orville McLeod, a student of Palmers Cross district.

Police reports state that about 3:30 p.m., Orville was among a group of boys who breached the protective barrier surrounding the NWC tank to swim.

While inside the tank, the teen reportedly encountered difficulties when his right arm became trapped into one of the outlet valves, trapping him up to the shoulder.

The police say the suction pressure was so strong that he was unable to pull free, or surface for air.

The incident has reignited urgent concerns about the safety risks associated with trespassing at restricted water infrastructure, with the NWC stressing that these facilities are not recreational spaces and remain strictly off-limits to the public.

“These areas are restricted to safeguard the public from harm and to protect the integrity and quality of the water we supply. Unauthorised entry exposes individuals to severe danger and threatens critical national infrastructure,” the NWC said in a statement on Thursday.

The commission described the drowning as deeply distressing and extended condolences to the bereaved family, noting: “The NWC extends its heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased during this extremely difficult time.”

NEW LOCK NO DETERRENCE

The NWC disclosed that the tragedy occurred just four days after personnel found unauthorised individuals inside the facility during a routine inspection on April 4.

“They were instructed to leave, and they complied,” the agency said.

Following that encounter, NWC said staff installed a new lock on the access point to deter future breaches. However, when reports of the drowning surfaced on April 8, it was discovered that the newly installed lock had been forcibly removed, once again allowing trespassers to enter the restricted compound.

“This matter is being taken very seriously,” the NWC said, adding that enhanced security measures will be introduced immediately at the Red Road tank and across other critical installations.

The commission has shut down the water supply network serving the area to facilitate urgent assessment and remedial work, promising to update customers regarding restoration timelines.

The NWC is urging community members to act as partners in safeguarding the facility.

Information gathered by The Gleaner suggests that the Red Road tank has been a longstanding hotspot for unauthorised swimming among boys in the Palmers Cross community.

Residents say the practice has persisted for years, with children repeatedly breaching the site’s perimeter despite clearly posted warning signs and periodic security upgrades.

Several attempts made by The Gleaner to get a comment from councillor for the Palmers Cross division Carlene Benjamin proved futile up to news time.

Meanwhile, the police are also advising parents and guardians to speak with children about the life-threatening risks associated with breaching restricted facilities – warnings that now resonate with devastating clarity in the southeastern Clarendon community.

olivia.brown@gleanerjm.com