男子北京井下居住20年

Beijing authorities have discovered a man who had been living in a utility well for nearly two decades. The reason: so he could save money to put his children through school.

A 53-year-old man surnamed Wang was found living in a utility well in eastern Beijing. Wang comes from a rural area in the suburbs where he had to borrow money to pay fines for violating the one-child policy. He has three children.

He came to Beijing to be a car washer, hoping to earn more and pay back the borrowed money. He said he couldn’t afford the rent in Beijing so moved into the well.

After the authorities were alerted, they arranged temporary accommodation for him. They say it's dangerous for anyone to live there because of the piping. The well has now been sealed by workers.

According to media reports, homeless people like Wang resorting to such actions is not uncommon.