Tragedy struck the small community of Xuân Tín, Thanh Hoa on February 27, 2025, when two sixth-grade students, Đỗ Như Q. and Trình Văn Q.T., drowned after falling from a floating bridge on the Chu River. The two children, both students at Xuân Tín Middle School, were playing near the river when the unfortunate incident occurred.
According to reports, the boys were part of a group of friends who ventured to the floating bridge area situated at the border of Xuân Tín and Xuân Hòa communes. While playing, one of the boys lost his balance and fell off the bridge. Without hesitation, the other jumped in to save him. Tragically, both were swept away by the strong currents of the river.
Local authorities were alerted to the situation shortly after the incident. The Thanh Hoa Fire and Rescue Police Department coordinated their efforts with local police, citizens, and community forces to initiate search operations immediately. "Swift action was taken by the local authorities and rescue teams to search for the missing students," stated a police spokesperson.
The search efforts encountered several challenges. The currents of the Chu River were particularly strong, making it difficult for rescue teams to operate. The weather conditions were also uncooperative, with cold temperatures enhancing the risks for rescuers. Despite this, the community rallied together, with many volunteers joining the effort to locate the children.
By around 8 AM on February 28, after hours of intense searching, the body of Đỗ Như Q. was recovered from the river. Rescuers continued their efforts, and by 1 PM the same day, they successfully located the body of Trình Văn Q.T.
"Despite the extremely difficult conditions, we did everything we could to find the children," said an officer from the fire and rescue department, who bravely led the operation. The entire community has been left heartbroken by the loss. Funerals for the young boys will take place shortly, with local officials and residents expected to gather to pay their respects.
This tragedy serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers posed by local rivers, especially when children are involved. While playing and exploring nature are important for the young, safety measures should always be prioritized. Communities are encouraged to increase awareness and provide guidance to prevent such heartbreaking incidents from happening again.
Following the incident, school officials at Xuân Tín Middle School expressed their sorrow and extended their condolences to the families affected. They plan to hold memorial services to honor Đỗ Như Q. and Trình Văn Q.T., celebrating their vibrant young lives and the joy they brought to their families and friends.