One-year-and-five-month-old boy dies after falling into a septic tank in Hato Mayor

Hato Mayor. A one-year-and-five-month-old boy lost his life on Tuesday afternoon after falling into a pit intended for a septic system that remained uncovered at a home in the Las Chinas sector, in the Hato Mayor province.

The victim, identified by the initials G.S.S., was the son of Galver Santana, 20, and the teenager with the initials V.S.P., 15.

According to preliminary data, the minor was with several relatives in front of a community grocery store when, in a moment of distraction, he was no longer seen by the adults accompanying him.

While those present began their search, a woman remembered that in the adjacent dwelling there was a septic tank without any protective measures. Upon approaching the site, she observed the child inside and immediately alerted the relatives.

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The minor’s father entered the well to rescue him and subsequently rushed him, along with other relatives, to the Dr. Leopoldo Martínez Hospital. However, the infant arrived at the health center without showing vital signs.

The medical examiner who performed the removal of the body established that the cause of death was asphyxia by submersion, according to the official report.

The tragic event has caused dismay among the residents of the Las Chinas sector, who reiterated the importance of keeping septic tanks and other structures that may pose a risk to children’s safety protected and properly covered.