Five-Year-Old Kiara Mohan Dies In Newcastle Skip Bin Tragedy

A KwaZulu-Natal family is mourning the tragic death of five-year-old Kiara Mohan following a fatal skip bin accident in Newcastle.

The incident happened on Friday at a block of flats in Suryaville, where Kiara had reportedly been playing hide-and-seek with friends when the tragedy unfolded.

The Newcastle Municipality said it is still working to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Family Describes Kiara Mohan As Cheerful And Loving Child

Kiara’s grand-aunt, Veronica Nair, described the young girl as energetic, friendly and full of life.

“She always had that beautiful smile on her face and was always laughing and talking. If anyone passes their flat, she’s always greeting the people. She was very busy, and she liked to do gymnastics, and she was very cute. She liked to put on makeup, and I loved her,” Nair said.

The grieving relative said Kiara’s death has deeply affected both the family and the surrounding community, with many children now too traumatised to play outside.

“And one of my neighbours even said, she said to me, ‘You know, Veronica, today I missed her because when I’m passing there, she’ll always talk to me.’”

“She’d say, ‘Where are you going with auntie?’ Then the auntie would joke and say, ‘I’m going to look for the boyfriend.’ And she said to the auntie, ‘I want to become a doctor.’”

“The auntie said, ‘When you’re a doctor, then you must give me free medication and check me up.’ She said, ‘Don’t worry, auntie, I’m going to give you free medication.’”

Residents Raise Safety Concerns Over Damaged Skip Bin

Community members have since raised concerns about the condition of the municipal skip bin involved in the tragedy.

Some residents alleged that the bin was unstable and missing wheels.

Matthew Shunmugam from the Newcastle and District Residents Forum said the area where the bin was placed lacked proper safety measures.

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He said there was no gate or barrier preventing people from accessing the area.

Shunmugam also confirmed that the skip bin was missing a wheel on one side.

“This matter was reported because prior to this, two other incidents took place where the bin broke another man’s leg and then it fell, and he was trapped under, but luckily escaped with minor injuries,” he said.

Police Open Inquest Docket Into Newcastle Tragedy

South African Police Service spokesperson Paul Magwaza confirmed that an inquest docket has been opened.

“The child was found trapped underneath the bin with no visible injuries. She was taken to the hospital, where she was confirmed dead. Circumstances that could have led to the death are being investigated,” said Magwaza.

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal accident.