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Two girls, aged just five and six, died on Tuesday night in the city of Santiago de Cuba after drowning in a private pool located in the Santa Bárbara neighborhood, specifically on 7th Street in that area.
"According to reports from neighbors and close family members, the little girls had spent the afternoon enjoying time with other children and adults in the area. Everything seemed like a normal day at play until, as they were getting ready to leave and return home, the girls reportedly went back into the pool without the adults noticing," shared journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada on Facebook.
When the adults finally noticed the girls were missing, it was already too late.
One of the minors was found lacking vital signs, while the other was still breathing with difficulty and was urgently transferred to the Children's Hospital Sur "La Colonia Española."
However, despite the efforts of the medical team, the little girl passed away shortly after being admitted to the Intensive Care Unit.
"She was alive by machine", a witness to the incident commented to the mentioned source.
Local authorities went to the site to carry out the necessary investigations and clarify the circumstances of the incident.
The communicator stated that out of respect for the families, he would not reveal the identities of the minors, nor would he share images of the girls.
Previously, in another post -based on an anonymous source- Yosmany Mayeta had reported that one of the minors arrived dead at the hospital, and that the other was given Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
"One arrived already dead, the other was given CPR, regained vital signs, but passed away due to pleural effusion and respiratory arrest,” revealed the witness.
According to that same source, "the one present at the pool was the mother at the time of the accident", which supports the idea that the minors were sisters.
Dismay, mourning, and controversy
The incident has triggered a wave of reactions on social media. The Santa Bárbara neighborhood remains in shock, and the mourning has extended beyond the family circle to become a collective pain. Numerous internet users have expressed their shock and sorrow in recent hours.
"What sadness, how unfair. That little girl played with my son every day, I can't believe she's gone," wrote a Cuban.
Another neighbor recounted witnessing the removal of one of the bodies: “The pool is next to my house… how horrifying!”
Negligence or inevitable accident?
As the news spread, differing opinions emerged.
Several users on Facebook emphasized the possible negligence of the adults present.
"This was not an accident; it was negligence. Two girls dead in a pool is not a coincidence," wrote a commenter.
Another internet user was more blunt: “The mother should take responsibility. Just as doctors are judged for negligence, parents who fail should also be held accountable.”
However, other voices called for empathy: “Don’t judge. That woman is already carrying the worst punishment: living without her daughters. Accidents happen in seconds. A moment of negligence is enough, and everything changes forever,” expressed a user.
A mother shared her own experience: "I once saved a little girl who was drowning while her mother was dancing. We need to keep a close eye on the children. Just a second is all it takes."
There were also professionals from the aquatic sector who shared their opinions. A lifeguard said: “I've seen this many times. Parents come, relax, start drinking, and the children are left adrift. It's hard to say, but many times adults are the primary ones responsible.”
A father wrote, "There are no words to describe what those family members must be feeling. May the Lord give them strength, for this is a pain that lasts a lifetime."
Amid the mourning, there were also calls for reflection: “Children cannot be out of sight for even a second”; “There is no enjoyment more important than the safety of your children," stated two commentators.
The coverage of the case by journalist Yosmany Mayeta also sparked debate. Some internet users accused him of "lack of ethics" for publishing details of such a sensitive event.
"You play with the suffering of others," a Cuban woman rebuked. Another added, "This isn't news, it's just sensationalism. What does sharing this tragedy contribute beyond mere curiosity?"
However, several defended the necessity of being aware of such events: “Thank you for keeping us informed. If it weren't for you, no one would know. These things cannot remain hidden.”
A user stated that bringing visibility to tragedies like this can help prevent future misfortunes.
The discussion became intense, oscillating between those who believe that disclosing these events is part of journalistic duty and those who think that the privacy of the affected families should take precedence.
As of the closing of this note, official sources in Santiago de Cuba have not reported on the tragic event.
Frequently Asked Questions about the tragic incident at the pool in Santiago de Cuba
How did the accident happen at the pool in Santiago de Cuba?
The accident occurred when two girls, aged five and six, drowned in a private pool in the Santa Bárbara neighborhood of Santiago de Cuba. The girls had returned to the water without the adults present noticing, and by the time they realized they were missing, it was too late. One of the girls arrived at the hospital lifeless, while the other passed away shortly after despite medical efforts.
Is it believed that there was negligence on the part of the responsible adults?
The debate over whether there was negligence or if it was an inevitable accident has generated divided opinions. Some internet users have pointed out the possible negligence of the adults present, emphasizing that two girls drowning in a pool is not just a mere accident. Others urge not to judge the mother, as accidents can happen in a matter of seconds.
What has been the reaction of the community and on social media following the incident?
The Santa Bárbara neighborhood community and social media users are shocked by the tragic event. There has been a wave of reactions of sorrow and dismay, with neighbors and family members expressing their sadness, while others have taken the opportunity to highlight the importance of constant supervision of children in pools.
What measures are suggested to prevent similar tragedies in the future?
Experts and community members suggest preventive measures such as constant supervision of children in pools, the use of safety barriers around pools, and education about water safety. The safety of children should always be the number one priority in any recreational situation, especially in aquatic environments where accidents can happen quickly.
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