Child Dies After Falling into Septic Tank at Erma Campground

ERMA – Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey H. Sutherland and Chief William Priole of the Lower Township Police Department announce the ongoing death investigation of a 3-year-old girl, in Erma.
According to a release, the Lower Township Police Department, at 9:27 p.m. April 3, received a 911 call for medical assistance and responded to a campground, located in the 600 block of Route 9, in Erma. Upon arrival, officers found the unresponsive child, who had been pulled out of a sewage septic tank after accidentally falling in.
The child was immediately transported to the Cape Regional Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead later that evening.
Detectives from the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office and the Lower Township Police Department responded to the scene and immediately initiated a investigation into this child’s death.
During the morning April 4, the Southern Regional Medical Examiner’s Office conducted an autopsy on the child, and the cause and manner of death are pending the final autopsy report.
The preliminary investigation has not revealed any signs of foul play, as of 1:51 p.m. April 4.
Sutherland stated this tragic incident is still under investigation but appears to be an accident at this time.
The campground released an official statement following the incident:
“There was a tragic accident involving a child that occurred last night 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.”