Three children drown in irrigation canals, one still missing after five days

The aftermath of the incident in Malatya. (Photo: AA)

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Three children lost their lives in five days in separate incidents after falling into irrigation canals across various locations in the country. Additionally, one child remains missing despite ongoing search efforts spanning five days, according to reports by Anadolu Agency (AA).

In the Serik district in Antalya, southern Turkey, a four-year-old boy named İshak Çelik fell into an irrigation canal while playing with his friends in the backyard of his home.

Promptly alerted by witnesses, the child was swiftly rescued and taken to Serik State Hospital. Despite medical intervention, he could not be saved. The authorities have transferred the child's body to the Antalya Forensic Medicine Institute for further examination.

It has been revealed that the child's family, who recently arrived from Mardin, were working as seasonal laborers in Serik.

These incidents involving children falling into irrigation canals are reported each year from May onwards. The Health and Safety Labor Watch (İSİG), a group monitoring work-related deaths, notes that over half of the population in settlements accommodating seasonal agricultural workers consists of children, including young ones who are required to accompany their families.

In a separate incident in the Tarsus district in the southern province of Mersin, a 14-year-old boy named Tolgahan Özgür got swept away by the current after falling into an irrigation canal.

Locals immediately reported the incident, leading to the dispatch of divers, firefighters, and emergency medical teams to the scene. Eventually, the search efforts confirmed that Tolgahan Özgür had lost his life.

Refugee children

Another incident occurred on May 26 in Malatya, where two children fell into an irrigation canal near the Malatya Sugar Factory premises.

The surrounding area houses temporary tent settlements for residents and officials. Two-year-old Syrian child Abdulvahab Saleh Elhuseyn was pulled out of the canal by the residents and officials but, despite medical intervention at Malatya Training and Research Hospital, did not survive. The search for the other missing child is still ongoing. (AÖ/VK)