Three-year-old toddler Anastasia Pearce had a narrow escape when she fell six feet into a manhole in her dad’s communal front garden. The terrifying incident, captured on video, showed the young girl playing before suddenly disappearing through a barely covered manhole. Dad Steven Pearce, a former professional boxer, acted swiftly by running towards the hole and climbing down to rescue his daughter. The heart-stopping moment left the family shaken, with Anastasia emerging with only a swollen knee and lump on her head. The Pearces are now criticising water company Severn Trent for the unsafe manhole cover, calling for better safety measures.
Steven Pearce described the harrowing experience, expressing his disbelief at how quickly it happened and his instinctive reaction to save his daughter. The footage showed him rushing to the spot, his legs shaking in fear as he climbed down to reach Anastasia. His quick actions and bravery prevented a potentially disastrous outcome, as the young girl emerged physically unscathed but likely in shock. Steven’s urgency in rescuing his daughter highlighted the importance of parental vigilance and quick thinking in emergencies. Despite the scare, Anastasia’s mother, Dani-Leigh Pearce, expressed gratitude for Steven’s swift response and Anastasia’s resilience.
The incident has sparked concerns about the safety standards of manhole covers, with Steven Pearce emphasising the need for more secure and substantial covers. As a seasoned builder, he criticised the flimsy nature of the cover, stating that it was inadequate for a six-foot drop. The family believes that Severn Trent should have taken better precautions to prevent such accidents, especially in residential areas where children may be at risk. The Pearces are relieved that Anastasia escaped serious injury, but they are adamant that safety measures must be improved to avoid similar incidents in the future.
Following the incident, Anastasia underwent a medical examination to ensure she had not sustained any hidden injuries. Her parents monitored her closely for signs of concussion, highlighting the importance of thorough post-accident care. The family’s vigilance in seeking medical attention and assessing Anastasia’s well-being underscored their commitment to her safety and welfare. Dani-Leigh Pearce expressed her shock and horror upon watching the video, acknowledging the potential severity of the accident and the importance of Steven’s rapid response in averting a tragedy.
Severn Trent has responded to the incident, expressing regret over the events and pledging to investigate the circumstances surrounding the unsafe manhole. The company’s promise to address the issue promptly reflects a commitment to enhancing safety measures and preventing future mishaps. While the Pearces have initiated an insurance claim in response to the incident, Severn Trent’s acknowledgment of the situation indicates a willingness to take responsibility and make necessary improvements. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of diligent oversight and stringent safety protocols, particularly in residential areas where vulnerable individuals, such as children, may be at risk.
The Pearce family’s ordeal highlights the potential dangers posed by inadequate infrastructure and the critical need for effective safety measures. Steven Pearce’s swift actions in rescuing his daughter underscore the importance of parental vigilance and quick thinking in emergency situations. The family’s call for improved safety standards serves as a necessary reminder for utilities and authorities to prioritise public safety and implement robust measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. Anastasia’s fortunate escape should serve as a catalyst for increased awareness and proactive measures to safeguard communities, especially vulnerable individuals like young children.