On April 21, 2025, the search for two missing students who drowned in the Dinh River in Quang Binh province ended tragically when their bodies were discovered. The incident, which unfolded the previous evening, involved four students who ventured to the river for a swim.
According to the People's Committee of Nhan Trach commune in Bo Trach district, local authorities, including police and military personnel, along with community members, mobilized over 100 people to search for the two missing boys, H.D.H. and P.L.T.A. The search efforts began shortly after the students were reported missing.
The unfortunate events began around 6:00 PM on April 20, when four students from Nhan Hai village decided to swim in the Dinh River. While two of the students managed to swim to safety, H.D.H., a 7th grader, and P.L.T.A., a 6th grader, did not make it back. Another student who was swimming with them was fortunate enough to grab onto a wooden pole and was rescued by local residents.
As news of the incident spread, community members rushed to assist in the search. The local authorities worked tirelessly through the night, employing both on-land and underwater search techniques. Their efforts culminated in the discovery of P.L.T.A.’s body at approximately 7:30 AM on April 21, just 3-5 meters from where he had drowned. About 30 minutes later, H.D.H.'s body was also recovered.
Mr. Nguyen Van Nghi, Chairman of the People's Committee of Nhan Trach commune, shared details about the tragedy, stating, "The two boys are students from a local secondary school. They went to the river to swim and unfortunately drowned. We mobilized people and equipment to search in the river mouth area. It is possible that the boys were swept upstream as the tide was coming in at that time."
The families of the deceased students are reportedly facing difficult circumstances, which adds to the tragedy of this incident. Local officials are currently finalizing arrangements to return the bodies to the families for burial according to local customs.
This heartbreaking event serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with swimming in rivers, particularly for children. The community is mourning the loss of these young lives, and local authorities are urging parents to educate their children about water safety to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
In the wake of this incident, the community has come together to support the families affected. Local leaders have emphasized the importance of safety measures around water bodies, particularly during the warmer months when swimming activities increase.
As the search and recovery efforts concluded, the focus now shifts to honoring the memories of H.D.H. and P.L.T.A. Community members are expected to hold a memorial service to pay their respects and provide support to the grieving families.
The tragic drowning incident in the Dinh River has prompted discussions about improving safety measures around local swimming areas. Authorities are considering implementing more visible warnings and possibly increasing patrols during peak swimming times to ensure the safety of children and families.
In conclusion, the loss of these two students has left a profound impact on the Nhan Trach community. As they come to terms with this tragedy, the community's resilience and solidarity will be crucial in supporting the affected families and preventing future incidents.
