©camilo jimenez via Unsplash
A child has died in the region around the Croatian capital of Zagreb after falling into a water-filled well while playing. Police are investigating the exact circumstances of the tragic accident, according to reports from Croatian and Slovenian media.
The accident occurred on Friday afternoon in the eastern part of Zagreb County, in an unfenced courtyard of a residence. According to initial reports, the child fell—presumably while playing—into a large excavation measuring approximately 55 by 13 meters, which contained water to a depth of about one meter.
How exactly did the accident happen?
A family member noticed the child and tried to help until emergency services arrived, but all efforts were in vain. The child could not be resuscitated. The police reported that the body was later transported to the Institute of Forensic Medicine and Criminology in Zagreb. The police say the investigation is still ongoing and that the circumstances of the accident are being further clarified. An autopsy is being performed on the body. The child’s exact age was not disclosed.
No malicious intent
According to initial findings, this was a tragic accident, and no other factors have emerged at this time. The incident has caused great distress in the neighborhood and among the family. The case is receiving widespread attention in Croatia, partly because it involved an accident on private property where safety conditions were apparently inadequate. Meanwhile, authorities are urging caution around open pits, ditches, construction sites, and water basins on unsecured properties. Due to the ongoing heat, many people are seeking relief, but danger can lurk just around the corner there as well.
©camilo jimenez via Unsplash - illustrative image