Boy, 3, dies after falling into septic tank, Pierce County Sheriff’s Department says

A 3-year-old boy died Sunday afternoon after he fell into a septic tank, according to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department.

Investigators suspect the boy drowned in the tank.

About 2:20 p.m., sheriff’s deputies and area fire crews were dispatched to the 10300 block of 93rd Street Court Southwest in Lakewood.

Although the area has a Lakewood address, it is outside the city limits, said Sgt. Darren Moss, sheriff’s department spokesperson.

Once on scene, the sheriff’s department learned the boy and another child were playing in the area when the 3-year-old lifted the lid on a septic tank.

Moss said the lid is similar to the size of a sewer manhole, estimating its size at three feet in diameter. It was large enough for a child to fall into, he said.

The boy’s grandmother called 911 about 2:20 p.m. At 3:05 p.m., the boy was pronounced dead, Moss said.