Polish Mother and Two Daughters Found Dead in Septic Tank, Murder Investigation Launched

A tragic incident has shocked residents of Helenów Pierwszy, Konin County, west-central Poland, after a 32-year-old woman and her two daughters, aged six and eight, were found dead in a septic tank near their home on Sunday night.

Emergency services, including four fire crews and a diving team, recovered the bodies after the woman’s husband reported them missing at around 10:18 pm, telling police he had noticed “disturbing signs” suggesting they may have fallen into the tank. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene, while her daughters were rushed to hospital but later confirmed dead.

The Konin District Prosecutor’s Office has confirmed that a murder investigation has been launched. Prosecutor Aleksandra Marańda said there was a “high probability that a crime took place,” citing Article 148, paragraph 3 of the Penal Code, which concerns cases where more than one person is killed.

However, prosecutors urged caution against speculation. Local media outlets reported unconfirmed claims that the woman may have taken her own life after harming her children, citing sources that suggested she had been receiving psychiatric treatment and that a note was found in the house. Officials stressed that these details remain unverified.

Neighbors expressed disbelief over the tragedy. One resident told local media:

“I can’t believe what happened. I heard that this woman’s husband went to the pharmacy to get medicine because she sent him. And when he came back, everything was already over.”

Local official Andżelika Kamińska added:

“Everyone in our village is in shock and great sadness.”

Authorities have ordered autopsies and toxicology tests, scheduled for Thursday, to determine the exact cause of death. Police say the investigation is still at an early stage, and no definitive conclusions will be drawn until forensic results are available.

Spokesperson Sylwia Lewandowska emphasized the sensitivity of the case:

“The situation is very tragic, and it is still the early stage of the investigation. We cannot comment on any conclusions out of respect for the victims’ close family.”

The case has gripped Poland, with many calling for patience as investigators work to uncover the full circumstances behind the deaths.