KULIM, Sept 15 — Four boys died after allegedly falling into a drain while attempting to retrieve a football at Taman Desa Kayangan, Sungai Karangan, yesterday evening.

Kulim police Chief Supt Syamsul Sinring said two of the victims died at the scene, while the other two succumbed to their injuries while being taken to Kulim Hospital.

He identified the victims as Muhammad Zafril Arsyad Muhamad Azrin, 12; Muhammad Iman Nuruddin Khairol Anuar, 10; and step-siblings Muhamad Aeril Aziz Muhamad Zafis, 12, and Muhammad Arif Naufan Abdullah, eight.

“Police received a call from a member of the public at 7.45 pm yesterday reporting that four victims had drowned in a retention pond at Taman Desa Kayangan.

“Ambulance personnel confirmed that two victims died at the scene, while the other two passed away while being transported to Kulim Hospital,” he said in a statement today.

Syamsul said all four victims lived near Taman Desa Kayangan.

He said interviews with the victims’ mothers revealed that the boys had left home to play football before the ball reportedly fell into a drain at the location.

“The victims are believed to have attempted to retrieve the ball before falling into the drain,” he said.

He added that there were no witnesses to the incident, while the drain was estimated to be about 10 feet deep and six feet wide.

The bodies were taken to Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital (HSB) in Alor Setar last night for post-mortem examinations. — Bernama