Girl, 11, dies after her hair gets caught in pool drain
An 11-year-old from Italy has died after getting her hair caught in a pool drain at a beach resort.
Alice, from Suisio, Bergamo was sucked into a pool drain at beach establishment Bagni Segesta, in Sestri Levante on Tuesday afternoon.
The girl remained in critical condition until she died from her injuries in Gaslini Children's Hospital in Genoa.
Sky TG24 reports that the force of the drain dragged the child underwater, making it near impossible for her to free herself.
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Another child noticed that Alice was struggling underwater and alerted nearby adults.
The owner of the establishment attempted to free Alice by cutting away her hair with a knife, but the suction had trapped it tightly inside the drain, making the rescue extremely difficult.
Within a few minutes, the ambulance arrived and started resuscitation maneuvers, but couldn’t get a response.
She was then taken to an intensive care unit at Gaslini, where she was later pronounced dead.
It remains unclear exactly how the accident occurred or how long she was submerged before she was discovered.
Alice’s death is now being investigated as possible manslaughter, as her family have chosen to donate her organs.
“The entire hospital – reads the note from the Pediatric Hospital – stands by the family in this moment of unimaginable pain, expressing deep gratitude for a choice capable of transforming an unfillable void into concrete hope for other families,” the hospital said.
Minister for Civil Protection and Maritime Policies, Nello Musumeci, said safety at public and private swimming pools will be boosted following five deaths of minors in pools.
“The death of Alice, the 11-year-old girl who was sucked into a pool drain in Sestri Levante, highlights the need, which can no longer be postponed, to ensure the safety of public and private swimming pools in Italy, without ifs or buts,” Musumeci said.
“In the last three months, there have been five deaths of minors in pools.
“A strict regulation is needed, but also greater caution in never leaving children alone in the water.
“The government bill by Meloni's administration, aimed at this goal, will be approved by the competent Commission within the month, and we will do everything possible to schedule it urgently.”
The municipal administration and the parish community of Suisio, said in a message shared on social media that they ‘express their deepest condolences and embrace with affection the family of Alice, struck by the pain of her early passing. In this moment of great sadness, our entire community unites in memory and prayer, sharing the sorrow of her loved ones and all those who cared for her’.
LADbible Group has contacted Bagni Segesta for comment.
Topics: News
Anish Vij