In a tragic incident in Dharwad, Karnataka, three children lost their lives after drowning in a water tank while attempting to escape the scorching summer heat. The incident took place on Tuesday afternoon when the children, aged between 10 and 12 years, went to the tank to cool off without informing their parents or any other adult.
Details of the Incident
According to local police, the children were residents of a nearby slum area and had been playing in the vicinity before deciding to take a dip in the tank. The tank, located in the outskirts of Dharwad city, is used for irrigation purposes and has a depth of about 15 feet. Witnesses reported that the children slipped into the deeper end of the tank and could not be rescued in time.
Rescue Operations
Upon receiving information, a team from the Dharwad Fire and Emergency Services rushed to the spot and launched a rescue operation. However, by the time the bodies were retrieved, the children had already succumbed to drowning. The deceased have been identified as Ravi (12), Suresh (11), and Meena (10), all students of a local government school.
Community in Mourning
The incident has left the local community in deep shock and mourning. Parents and neighbors gathered at the spot, expressing grief and anger over the lack of safety measures around the tank. Many residents demanded that the authorities cover the tank or install fencing to prevent such accidents in the future.
Police Investigation
The Dharwad police have registered a case of accidental death and are investigating the matter. Preliminary inquiries suggest that the children were unaware of the tank's depth and had ventured into the water without any safety gear. Police have urged parents to keep a close watch on their children and educate them about the dangers of swimming in unsupervised water bodies.
Summer Safety Warning
With the summer heat intensifying, authorities have issued a warning to the public, especially parents, to ensure that children do not venture into open water bodies without adult supervision. The district administration has also been asked to identify and secure all such water tanks and ponds in the region to prevent further tragedies.
This incident serves as a grim reminder of the risks associated with swimming in unsupervised areas. The local government has announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh each to the families of the deceased children. Meanwhile, the school where the children studied has declared a day of mourning and offered counseling services to students and staff.
