Two Young Girls Drown in Santiago de Cuba Pool: What We Know About the Heartbreaking Incident

On a sorrowful Tuesday evening in Santiago de Cuba, two young girls, aged five and six, tragically lost their lives after drowning in a private pool located in the Santa Bárbara neighborhood, specifically on Calle 7. The heartbreaking event unfolded as described by neighbors and family members, who recounted that the children had been enjoying the day with other kids and adults. Everything seemed like a typical day of fun until, during the cleanup and preparation to head home, the girls reportedly entered the pool again without adult supervision, as shared by journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada on Facebook.

By the time the adults realized the girls were missing, it was too late. One of the children was found without any signs of life, while the other was struggling to breathe and was rushed to the South Children's Hospital "La Colonia Española." Despite the medical team's swift efforts, the young girl passed away shortly after being admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. A witness reported she was "alive on machines," echoing the harrowing nature of the incident.

Local authorities promptly arrived at the scene to conduct a thorough investigation to understand the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. Out of respect for the grieving families, the journalist refrained from disclosing the identities of the minors or sharing images of them. Previously, Yosmany Mayeta, based on an anonymous source, had revealed that one girl arrived at the hospital deceased, while the other underwent Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).

"One of them was already dead upon arrival, the other received CPR, regained vital signs, but succumbed to a pleural effusion and respiratory arrest," the source disclosed. This same source suggested that the mother was present at the pool during the accident, implying that the girls might have been sisters.

Community Shock and Debate

The incident has sparked a wave of emotional responses on social media. The Santa Bárbara neighborhood is deeply shaken, and the mourning has extended beyond the families, affecting the entire community. Many internet users have shared their shock and grief in recent hours.

"Such sadness, so unfair. That little girl played with my son every day; I can't believe she's gone," expressed a Cuban woman. Another neighbor recounted the horror of witnessing one of the bodies being removed: "The pool is right next to my house... what a nightmare!"

Negligence or Tragic Accident?

As the news circulated, opinions became divided. Several Facebook users highlighted the potential negligence of the adults present. "This wasn't an accident; it was negligence. Two girls drowning in a pool isn't a coincidence," commented one user. Another was more direct: "The mother must take responsibility. Just like doctors are judged for negligence, parents should be too when they fail."

However, some voices called for compassion: "Don't judge. That woman is already bearing the worst punishment: living without her daughters. Accidents happen in seconds. A slight lapse can change everything forever," expressed one user. A mother shared her own experience: "I once saved a drowning girl while her mom was dancing. You have to watch over the kids. One second is all it takes."

Reflecting on Safety

Professionals from the aquatic sector also weighed in on the discussion. A lifeguard remarked: "I've seen this many times. Parents arrive, relax, start drinking, and the kids are left on their own. It's harsh to say, but adults are often primarily responsible." A father wrote: "There's no word to describe what those families must be feeling. May God give them strength, for this is a lifelong pain."

Amid the mourning, calls for reflection also emerged: "Kids can't be out of sight for even a second"; "No enjoyment is more important than your children's safety," two commentators noted.

Journalist Yosmany Mayeta's coverage of the case also sparked debate. Some internet users accused him of "lacking ethics" for publishing details of such a sensitive event. "You're playing with others' pain," a Cuban woman reprimanded him. Another added: "This isn't news; it's gossip. What does sharing this tragedy achieve beyond morbid curiosity?"

However, several defended the need to be informed about such incidents: "Thank you for keeping us updated. Without you, no one would know. These issues can't stay hidden." One user argued that shedding light on tragedies like this could help prevent future misfortunes.

The discussion intensified, swinging between those who believe reporting these events is a journalistic duty and those who think family privacy should prevail. As of the article's closing, official sources in Santiago de Cuba have yet to cover the tragic event.