Asansol: A tragic incident occurred at St. Vincent's School in Asansol on Thursday morning, where an 11-year-old class 6 student allegedly drowned in the school's swimming pool during a summer camp session. The victim, identified as Aadvik Hilarian, was among 30 students participating in a swimming session under the supervision of two trainers, according to school authorities.
Incident Details
The school's principal, Ravi Victor, stated that one of the trainers noticed Hilarian in distress and immediately pulled him out of the pool. The student was administered CPR, after which he opened his eyes and vomited. However, despite these efforts, school authorities rushed him to Asansol District Hospital, where doctors declared him dead. His parents were subsequently informed.
Police Investigation
Police have sent the body for a post-mortem examination. DCP (central) Dhruba Das told TOI: "The student's family has not lodged a complaint. We have initiated an inquiry to ascertain whether there was negligence." The investigation aims to determine if any lapses in supervision or safety measures contributed to the incident.
Pool Specifications and Safety Concerns
The pool where the incident took place measures 25 meters in length and 10 meters in width. The shallow end is 3.5 feet deep, while the deep end is 12 feet deep, a source said. The incident has raised questions about the absence of CCTV cameras near the pool area. School authorities explained that CCTVs were not installed in the area because students use the adjacent space to change their clothes.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting the need for stricter safety protocols in school swimming facilities. As the inquiry continues, the school and local authorities face scrutiny over the adequacy of preventive measures.
