12-year-old critical after drowning incident

By Sialai Sarafina Sanerivi 21 February 2025, 1:00PM

A 12-year-old boy from Taufusi is in critical condition at the national hospital in Moto'otua after sustaining severe injuries in a drowning incident.

Sources close to this publication confirmed that the young boy was urgently transported to the hospital at around 6 pm on Thursday. 

With the nation experiencing severe weather conditions, concerns have been raised about children playing outdoors in the rain and engaging in risky activities such as swimming in rivers and fords.

The injured boy was believed to be taken to the hospital by his older siblings. He suffered major head injuries and remains under intensive medical care in the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

In response to the incident, Samoa’s emergency response authorities have issued a strong warning to parents and guardians, urging them to closely monitor their children and keep them indoors during hazardous weather conditions. 

Officials emphasise the importance of ensuring children’s safety and preventing similar accidents in the future.

As the community hopes for the young boy’s recovery, this tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by extreme weather and the need for heightened vigilance from caregivers.

Parents and guardians have been told to keep a close watch on children and not to let them swim in flooded creeks, drains and rivers. There is also concern that children are being allowed to swim in the sea even with a marine warning in place.

By Sialai Sarafina Sanerivi 21 February 2025, 1:00PM
Samoa Observer

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