On May 10, 2025, a tragic drowning incident in Cư Dliê Mnông commune, Cư M'gar district, Đắk Lắk province, has left the local community in shock after two children lost their lives. The victims, YT, an 8-year-old boy, and HT, a 10-year-old girl, were both residents of the commune and were reportedly playing near a water reservoir used for coffee irrigation.
According to local authorities, the incident occurred in the morning when YT and HT, along with two other friends, ventured to the reservoir located in Đrao hamlet. While playing, the children accidentally fell into a deep hole and drowned. The other two children managed to escape and alerted adults about the accident.
By noon, local residents had gathered at the site to assist in the search for the missing children. Tragically, HT was the first to be recovered from the reservoir around 12:00 PM. Despite immediate resuscitation efforts, she was pronounced dead at the hospital. Just 35 minutes later, the body of YT was also found submerged in the water.
Hồ Sỹ Kiêm, Chairman of the Cư Dliê Mnông People's Committee, confirmed that both children belonged to ethnic minority families facing challenging circumstances. He expressed deep condolences for the families affected by this heartbreaking loss.
Local authorities, including police and militia, quickly responded to the scene to assist in the search and provide support to the grieving families. The community has been shaken by the incident, which underscores the need for increased safety measures around such water bodies.
As investigations continue, officials are reviewing the circumstances that led to the lack of safety precautions at the reservoir. The area where the drowning occurred is known for its absence of fences or warning signs, raising concerns about child safety in the region.
This incident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers posed by unsupervised swimming in unregulated water bodies, particularly in remote areas where safety infrastructure is lacking. With summer approaching, there are growing worries about the potential for further drowning accidents, prompting calls for families, schools, and local authorities to take more proactive measures to ensure children's safety.
The local government has pledged to collaborate with community organizations to provide support for the victims' families and to explore ways to prevent similar tragedies in the future. As the community mourns, the emphasis remains on the urgent need for better safety practices to protect children during recreational activities.
