News, Five Year Old Nearly Drowns In Sonic Grease Pit (teenage, parent)

[JD59]

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn- A five-year-old Clarksville girl nearly died after a visit to a local fast food restaurant. It wasn't the food itself, but the leftover grease from burgers and fries that almost killed her.

Five-year-old Lilly Gene nearly drowned when she stepped on a dislodged man hole cover of a grease pit. It was so deep, it covered her head and her father said he was barely able to see her hands and pull her out.

Five Year Old Nearly Drowns In Sonic Grease Pit - NewsChannel5.com | Nashville News, Weather & Sports

[BirdieBelle]

This happened in our area.

The girl did not wander off into a rear area of the parking lot. This grease trap/"manhole cover" was in a mulched area right next to the picnic tables.

If you've ever been to a Sonic, you've probably seen how kids often run around this area after (while) the family eats. She stepped on the cover and fell right in.

[LVKim8]

Gross. Another story on the same website says this is not the first time. Apparently there were at least 3 other cases where kids nearly drowned in grease. I don't think it's an issue where we are; there are no 'green' areas at our Sonic's and most people stay in their cars. But still, something should be done before someone dies.

[no kudzu]

This is what happens when corporations put their whole image and future in the hands of incompetent workers. Was there any training for the employees on how to properly secure this man hole cover?
I hope they win a huge settlement, mostly punitive but most of all I hope the little child doesn't have permanent damage.

[lifelongMOgal]

Originally Posted by no kudzu

This is what happens when corporations put their whole image and future in the hands of incompetent workers. Was there any training for the employees on how to properly secure this man hole cover?
I hope they win a huge settlement, mostly punitive but most of all I hope the little child doesn't have permanent damage.

Maybe it was a landscaper (independent contractor) who dislodged this cover? Maybe it was teenage customers trying to be funny? You simply do not know. Blame "the corporation" because it is the politically popular thing to do.

Most, if not all Sonics are independent franchises, sometimes with a single owner, sometimes with multiple owners. That said, there is no reason these lids should not be locked into place and a fence placed around the hole.