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🇮🇹 Italy /Disasters & Emergencies

A 4-year-old girl drowned in a hotel pool

From ANSA · () Italian

Translated from Italian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • A 4-year-old Austrian girl drowned in the swimming pool of a hotel in Milano Marittima, Italy, and later died in the hospital.
  • This incident follows another recent tragedy where an 11-year-old girl died after her hair became entangled in a pool's suction pump.
  • Italian authorities are investigating both incidents, and the government is pushing for new legislation to improve pool safety, as over 75 pool-related deaths have occurred since 2022.

A holiday afternoon on the Riviera Romagnola was shattered by the tragic drowning of a 4-year-old Austrian girl in the swimming pool of a hotel in Milano Marittima. The child died at the Bufalini hospital in Cesena after the incident, which occurred shortly after 2 p.m. Local authorities, including the Carabinieri and the Ravenna prosecutor's office, have launched an investigation to clarify the circumstances surrounding the drowning.

Preliminary reports suggest the girl was with her father near the game room and pool area. Her father reportedly went to their room briefly, during which time the child entered the water. The entire event unfolded rapidly, and the child was rushed to the hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries two hours later. Investigators are working to determine the exact location of the mother and any lifeguards at the time of the incident.

Today we are struck by a tragedy that deeply marks our city.

— Mirko BoschettiThe mayor of Cervia expressing grief and condolences following the drowning incident.

This tragedy is the latest in a disturbing series of pool-related deaths in Italy. Just days prior, an 11-year-old girl, Alice Ferrari, died after her hair became trapped in a suction pump at a public beach facility in Sestri Levante. In that case, the owners of the facility have been placed under investigation as authorities prepare for an autopsy.

Since 2022, Italy has recorded over 75 deaths in swimming pools, prompting a strong response from the government. Lawmakers are advancing legislation aimed at enhancing pool safety standards. The mayor of Cervia, Mirko Boschetti, expressed deep sorrow over the incident, offering condolences to the grieving family and highlighting the profound impact of the tragedy on the community. The investigation into the Milano Marittima drowning is ongoing, with a focus on establishing the precise sequence of events and identifying any potential negligence.

A moment of great pain, I wish to express my most sincere condolences to the parents and all the family members. It is difficult to find words that can alleviate the pain of such an immense loss.

— Mirko BoschettiThe mayor of Cervia offering sympathy to the family of the drowned child.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ANSA in Italian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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