On February 27, 2023, tragedy struck the Xuân Tín commune of Thọ Xuân district, Thanh Hoa province, where two students went missing after drowning during what was meant to be an innocent outing by the Chu River. According to reports, the incident occurred around 2:30 PM when a group of sixth graders went to the river to play.
The young students, reportedly numbering between five to six, were gathered at the river when one male student jumped in to swim. Sadly, his plunge turned perilous when he encountered unexpectedly deep waters. Witnesses say the young boy struggled to stay afloat, prompting another boy to jump in to save him. Both students soon disappeared beneath the water’s surface.
“A group of 5-6 sixth graders went to the Chu River to play and one male student fell in. Another student jumped in to save him, but both went missing,” reported Nguyen Van Dan, the Chairman of Xuân Tín Commune, to Dân Việt.
Realizing the severity of the situation, the remaining students quickly called for help from local residents, but efforts to locate the pair proved futile. Following the urgent calls for aid, local authorities were notified, and search and rescue operations commenced almost immediately.
According to local sources, authorities swiftly coordinated with police and community members to form search teams to scour the area along the river. Local citizens have also joined the efforts, demonstrating the unity and solidarity within the community as they all came together to find the missing boys.
“Local authorities are coordinating with search forces to investigate and mobilize all resources to find the missing students,” stated local officials, as they worked tirelessly alongside volunteers and first responders.
The site of the incident, characterized by its beautiful but potentially dangerous waters, has become the focal point of these sizable search operations. Local leaders are urging caution among families and children to prevent such incidents from occurring again, emphasizing the need for safety awareness near water bodies.
Firefighters and divers have reportedly been deployed to the scene, combing the river as they work against the clock and the increasing concerns of the families involved. The emotional toll on the community is palpable, with residents expressing their hope for the safe return of the missing students.
Authorities are also conducting thorough investigations to ascertain the exact circumstances surrounding the incident, raising questions about the safety measures and access to the river for local youth.
The search continues as the two boys remain missing, and both local and provincial leaders have vowed to provide support to families during this difficult time. The community stands together, holding on to hope for the best possible outcome.
Community members and emergency services remain committed to the search, also ensuring support systems are extended to the families of the missing students. This incident has thrown the town of Xuân Tín and its residents, particularly the students and their families, and made them acutely aware of the dangers posed by their natural environment.
The incident serves as a painful reminder of the risks children may face when engaging with water bodies unsupervised. Community leaders are now advocating for preventive measures, including encouraging supervision and education about water safety among students.
While search efforts persist, the focus remains on hope and determination as families and friends await news of the missing boys. The tragedy casts a long shadow over the community, prompting discussions on safety, education, and protective measures to prevent such heartbreaking events from happening again.