Child, 3, Dies After Falling into Septic Tank In Cape May County

CAPE MAY COUNTY – A 3-year-old girl died this weekend after falling into a septic tank in Cape May County, prosecutors said.

The 3-year-old girl died after falling into a septic tank at a campground in the Erma section of Lower Township, according to the Cape May County Prosecutor's Office.

The incident happened at 9:27 pm on Saturday when the Lower Township Police Department received a 911 call for medical assistance and responded to Sun Outdoors Campground on the 600 block of Route 9, prosecutors said.

Upon arrival, officers found an unresponsive 3-year-old girl who had been pulled out of a sewage septic tank after accidentally falling in, prosecutors said.

The girl was immediately transported to the Cape Regional Medical Center where she was pronounced dead later that evening, prosecutors said.

Andrew DeLong, regional vice president for Sun Communities overseeing Sun Outdoors, released a statement to Patch on the incident.

"There was a tragic accident involving a child that occurred at our campground in Cape May, and first we wish to express our heartfelt condolences to the family as they face this incredibly difficult time. Details of the incident are still being investigated and we are working closely with local officials. This was a devastating accident, and our thoughts are with the family and we also stand ready to provide any comfort and support they may need," DeLong said.

Detectives from the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office and the Lower Township Police Department responded to the scene and immediately initiated an investigation into this child’s death.

On Sunday morning, the Southern Regional Medical Examiner’s Office conducted an autopsy on the 3-year-old and the cause and manner of death are pending the final autopsy report, prosecutors said.

The preliminary investigation has not revealed any signs of foul play. Prosecutors say the tragic incident is still under investigation but appears to be an accident.

This is a developing story. Patch will have more information as it comes in.