by Massachusetts – A quick-thinking 11-year-old girl is being hailed as a hero after saving her 5-year-old neighbor who fell into a hidden well in their quiet Massachusetts neighborhood.
A Frightening Afternoon
The terrifying ordeal began when Kathleen Freeman was outside with her young son, Jack Buss, who was walking across what appeared to be solid ground. Suddenly, the ground gave way when the cover of a 20-foot-deep water well slipped out of place.
Jack plunged into the well, landing on chunks of concrete at the bottom. Miraculously, the child was able to stand upright, clutching a nearby pole for balance as he cried out for his mother.
“I heard a scream that I’ve never heard before from my son,” Freeman told Local 12, describing the heart-stopping moment.
The Hero Steps In
Inside her nearby home, 11-year-old Juliana Fischer heard her neighbor’s panicked cries for help. Without hesitation, she bolted outside and ran toward the screams.
“I heard these screams, and someone saying, ‘Call 911,’” Juliana recalled. “I didn’t even think—I just ran.”
When she reached the frantic scene, Juliana quickly assessed the situation. Working alongside her father, she grabbed a nearby ladder and carefully lowered it down into the well so Jack could climb up to safety.
A Brave Rescue
The toddler, though frightened, managed to climb the ladder with Freeman’s encouragement from above. Within moments, Jack was safely back in his mother’s arms, with only minor scratches from the fall.
“He was really brave, and I’m so thankful for Juliana,” Freeman said, overcome with emotion. “It was such a good feeling when he got out of the well.”
Emergency responders arrived shortly after, but Juliana’s quick action had already averted tragedy. Firefighters secured the well by covering it with a heavy metal plate and bricks as a temporary fix, assuring Freeman that a permanent solution would be put in place.
Jack was taken to a local hospital for evaluation but was released in good condition.
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Humble Heroism
Despite being praised as a neighborhood hero, Juliana brushed off the attention.
“I don’t know. Anyone would have done the same thing,” she told reporters.
But for Freeman and her family, Juliana’s fast response made all the difference. “We’ll never forget what she did for us,” Freeman added.
A Wake-Up Call for Safety
The incident has sparked concern among residents about the dangers of hidden or unsecured wells, which can pose serious risks, especially to children playing outdoors. Local officials are reminding property owners to inspect their land for old wells and ensure that all covers are securely reinforced to prevent similar accidents.
In Massachusetts and other states, abandoned or improperly sealed wells are a known hazard. Experts emphasize that heavy, locked, or cemented coverings should always be used to eliminate the risk of collapse or accidental entry.
A Community Grateful for Courage
For now, the neighborhood is celebrating Juliana’s bravery and the happy ending to what could have been a devastating story.
Thanks to the 11-year-old’s courage, quick thinking, and determination to help her neighbors, Jack is back home safe—and the community has a new hero to look up to.
What do you think of Juliana’s quick actions? Should communities do more to secure old wells and hidden hazards? Share your thoughts in the comments on ibwhsmag.com.
