Probe into bathtub drowning continues
Police confirmed investigations surrounding the death of an 18-month old who tragically drowned after his mother allegedly left her in a bath tub continues.
An inquest into the drowning of an 18-month old toddler in a bathtub in his Faerie Glen, Pretoria home two weeks ago is being held, police have confirmed.
Garsfontein police spokesperson Warrant Dave Miller said an investigating officer was in regular contact with the bereaved family.
“This was a very sensitive time for the family,” said miller.
A close family contact confirmed the toddler was laid to rest on Monday at 10:00, and the family had left the residence for an undisclosed location.
The source said the family might need space to heal.
An insider said the parents were too traumatised to talk to any outsiders.
At the time, medics confirmed the toddler died in hospital and they had spent hours desperately trying to resuscitate the blonde little boy.
Emer-G-Med spokesperson Braam Kruger said the medics had arrived at the scene to an unresponsive baby. “They conducted CPR and it took a long time before the boy finally showed some sign of life – a weak pulse,” he said.
The baby was then rushed to hospital.
“He unfortunately died shortly after his arrival.”
Big Up to the Paramedical Team who attended the Drowning incident. On occasion the outcome is hard to accept. pic.twitter.com/POqCKRHCUU
— EMER-G-MED EMS (@EMER_G_MED) February 9, 2016
According to Emer-G-Med’s twitter feed, the toddler had to be airlifted by the emergency helicopter.
Netcare911 spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said they found Emer-G-Med on the scene performing CPR on the toddler and assisted in the medical procedures.
According to a reliable source, the devastated mother had left the toddler in the bath on his own for only a few seconds to fetch clothes from another room.
“The child must have slipped under water.”
She said the mother was hysterical.
The @Netcare911_sa dedicated Air Trauma Response Team has been activated. The child will be flown to a Paediatric Centre of Excellence.
— EMER-G-MED EMS (@EMER_G_MED) February 9, 2016
Messages of support to the mourning mother from residents started pouring in within seconds.
Social media user Amy White said she knew how hard it was for everyone on the scene.
“I know they would have given anything to save your child. I know that today will live with them forever. I am so sorry. Well done guys I know you did your best.”
Dot Wiehahn said: “Condolences to the mom and the family. RIP little angel. We have a few groups in here (on Facebook) where little ones have drowned. If you ever need to chat I am one of them. Feel free to contact me to talk or vent. Not an easy path this.”
Marie Venter said this was very sad. “Rest in peace baby… I feel extremely sorry for the mother. This was an accident.”
Rekord has chosen not to reveal the identity of the family and baby.
Also read:
Parents in mouring after infant’s drowning
BREAKING NEWS: Pretoria toddler drowns in bath
Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites:
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram.
- We have exciting news! We’re offering a free alert to help you always be in the loop. Send an email with the word ‘Subscribe’ to breakingnews@rekord.co.za to receive your free daily breaking news update.
