Nine-year-old boy found dead after entering drain pipe in Katherine

Around 5:15 pm, authorities received a call that a nine-year-old had gone into a drain pipe at Katherine Low Level and did not surface. NT Police sent divers who located the child at roughly 1:45 am, confirming his death. Commander Neil Hayes said the boy’s family was on site and is being offered welfare assistance, and that a coroner will investigate the incident.

Community officials noted that the tragedy underscores ongoing campaigns warning children about the hazards of playing in drains, especially in the wet season. A similar fatality occurred in 2014 in Palmerston, prompting recommendations for regular drain inspections. The case will add to the broader discussion on child safety around infrastructure.