Man in Bogor Dies While Digging Well, Suspected Gas Poisoning

A man with the initials MA (45) died in a 10-metre-deep well while digging in Parung, Bogor, West Java. The victim is suspected to have been poisoned by gas while inside the hole.

“Based on statements from local residents, the victim is believed to have lost consciousness while digging the well,” said Ridwan, commander of the Cibinong Sector fire and rescue unit, on Friday (28/8/2026).

Ridwan said the victim was reported to have collapsed while digging the well at around 14.00 WIB this afternoon. Fire and rescue teams from the Cibinong and Parung sectors arrived at the scene and found that the well contained toxic gas.

“Upon arriving at the location, officers immediately carried out an assessment of the conditions at the scene. The assessment found that there was toxic gas inside the well, while the victim was at the bottom of the well and had died,” Ridwan said.

“Officers then secured the area and prepared all the necessary rescue equipment for the evacuation process,” he added.

Ridwan said the evacuation was carried out using mountaineering techniques and a hauling system, a pulling method using a series of rescue equipment and safety systems. The victim was lifted gradually from the bottom of the well to the surface.

During the evacuation, officers prioritised safety given the presence of gas and the confined space inside the well.

“Thanks to good coordination and the application of rescue procedures in accordance with operational standards, the victim was successfully evacuated from the well. The victim was then handed over to medical personnel to be taken to hospital,” Ridwan said.