Pampanga Boat Carrying More Than 20 Children Capsizes
PAMPANGA – A boat carrying over 20 children capsized in Barangay Bangcal in Guagua on September 23, 2024, around 11:30 AM. The children were returning home from school when the incident occurred, as reported by GMA Regional TV. The boat, which is typically used for transporting students, lost balance after the children panicked and rushed to one side, causing it to tip over.
Dudes Garcia Amisola, one of the rescuers, highlighted the gravity of the situation, stating that the children were too small to swim, which created a chaotic atmosphere on the boat. Their eagerness to return home led them to move towards the front of the vessel, ultimately resulting in its loss of stability. The boatman, overwhelmed by the sudden shift in weight and the children’s excitement, struggled to maintain control, making the situation even more precarious.
“‘Yung mga bata hindi naman makakalangoy, maliliit lang. Gusto ng mga bata na umuwi agad kaya nagpuntahan lahat sa unahan. ‘Yung bangkero, hindi na nakontrol dahil mga bata makukulit,” said Dudes Garcia Amisola, who played a crucial role in the rescue operation. His account sheds light on the importance of ensuring safety measures for children during transportation.
Fortunately, despite the distressing circumstances, local residents and the boatman quickly sprang into action, collaborating to assist in the rescue of the children, who were all in Grades 1 to 4. Their quick response was instrumental in ensuring the safety of the young passengers, and remarkably, all the children were reported safe following the incident.
However, it remains uncertain whether anyone will face accountability for the capsizing, as the event has not been formally reported to the authorities. This incident raises questions about the safety protocols in place for transporting children and highlights the need for increased awareness and preventive measures in such transportation practices.
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