Tragedy in Vitebsk: First-Grader Drowns in Pond

A first-grader tragically drowned in a pond in the Vitebsk region of Belarus on May 29th, 2025. The incident occurred in a small pond within a garden cooperative. According to the Vitebsk Regional Emergency Ministry, the child, born in 2018, was playing with friends when a toy fell into the water. In an attempt to retrieve it, he fell in and drowned. "The children who were with him ran for help and called his father," stated Sergey Meleshkin, head of the Vitebsk Regional Emergency Ministry. "Unfortunately, by the time his father and emergency services arrived, it was too late." The shallow depth of the pond, approximately 1.5 meters, did not prevent this tragedy. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of constant adult supervision around water, especially during the upcoming summer holidays. The Emergency Ministry is urging parents to reinforce water safety rules with their children to prevent future accidents.