The point here is a tragic accident and how can we better avoid a recurrence. No grille might have meant no chance. All this talk about flood plains - our capital is built on a flood plain and at times I have seen the water higher than the roads!

Doug, Walton on Thames, England

Poor kid, just think how his friend feels after trying to save him.

The moral is clear - don't play in or near storm water drains/ditches/culverts, on public or private land.

Parents & schools need to drive this home like they do here (yes, we get accidents too but could be far worse).

Stan(expat), USA, USA

Steve, good idea if you don't have a car and you are not worried about sewage!

Charlie, Faringdon, England

some people should think off a way to get them the off quick in emergency but why blame the fire and rescue they would have done everything they could these storm drains full up quick and fast even if your area has not rained by the way my heart go out to the famly for your lost

john, derbyshire, england

Paul seems to be criticising the Fire and Rescue Services for not saving the boy. I'm a former firefighter, and know firsthand that it's incredibly difficult to remove a person (or a large object) being held in place by large quantities of rushing water without becoming trapped along with him.

Eliyahu Rooff, Walla Walla, Washington, USA

Playing with danger is not compulsory.

First point of responsibility, avoid danger. Keep away from everything that will harm you.

Second point of responsibility stop your child from playing with danger.

This is tragic and could have been avoided by heeding warnings.

Christine, London, UK

For some reason, Fire and Rescue Services seem unable to help people who are submerged in water. This isn't the first time someone has died in these circumstances whilst emergency services are with them. Fire and Rescue need to review their procedures and their equipment.

Paul, Rochester, UK

Please give the boy, his mate and family a break...

Who cares about building on flood plains or who should educate the kids when a tradgy like this happens. Kids will play where they like and people will build where they like.

Thoughts should be with no one other than friends and family.

Danny Long, Epsom, Surrey

Is it important who sorts out flooding?

Surely the issue here is how this tragedy is going to affect the 16 year old who was unable to help his friend?

I can't imagine the grief and distress, as well as a sense of failure, that this young man is burdened with.

Chris Palmer, Winchester, England

Whats wrong with building in flood plains so long as the purchaser is aware of it and / or the building is designed to be flooded now & again - ie living quarters on 1st & 2nd floor.

get off peoples backs and let the buyer bewware!

Steve, West Wickham,

Stopping this road flooding will only move the floods, and the children will keep on playing!

Maybe we should educate children & young adults about the dangers of flood water?

RF, Leeds, England

Why is it the job of the National Government to act to "stop the flooding"? It surely is the role of local authorities to restrict building in known or at risk flood plains and yet we see repeated acceptance of planning permission to developers, by local authorities, in these high risk areas,

Joanne, Cleveland,

Surely localised flooding in Eastfield Road is a council problem, not a national one? In Edinburgh, the Water of Leith and Braid Burn Flood Prevention Schemes are being paid for, and constructed by City of Edinburgh Council. Both waters run right the way through Edinburgh from south to north.

Chris D, Edinburgh, Scotland