Kerċem Woman, 72, Falls into Abandoned Shaft

Kerċem’s Mystery: Elderly Woman’s Fall into Abandoned Shaft

Imagine, if you will, the quiet streets of Kerċem, a village nestled in the heart of Malta’s countryside. The sun is setting, casting long shadows over the narrow, winding roads. Suddenly, a cry for help shatters the peaceful evening. A 72-year-old woman has fallen into an abandoned shaft on Triq San Ġużepp, a street as familiar to the locals as their own names.

Rescue Operation in the Heart of Kerċem

The incident, which occurred last Tuesday, saw the Fire and Rescue Services rush to the scene. Neighbors, alerted by the woman’s cries, quickly gathered, their faces etched with concern. The rescue operation was delicate; the shaft was narrow, and the woman was trapped some 15 meters below ground. Firefighters had to carefully lower themselves down to reach her.

“It was a challenging rescue,” said a firefighter on the scene, who wished to remain anonymous. “The shaft was unstable, and we had to ensure the safety of both the victim and our team.”

Uncovering Kerċem’s Hidden Dangers

This incident has brought to light a lesser-known issue in many Maltese villages – the presence of abandoned shafts and wells. These structures, often hidden beneath overgrown vegetation or forgotten in the corners of fields, can pose a significant risk to the elderly and children.

Kerċem’s local council is now urging residents to report any such structures they may know of. “We want to ensure the safety of our community,” said a council spokesperson. “If you know of any abandoned shafts or wells, please let us know so we can take appropriate action.”

The woman, thankfully, suffered no major injuries and was taken to Mater Dei Hospital for further checks. She was discharged the following day, much to the relief of her family and the entire Kerċem community.