Four Quran course students who were floating in an artificial lake created on the edge of the river in the Storm Valley in the Ardeşen district were swept away by the current. Upon notification, AFAD, the coast guard, gendarmerie, AKUT, and 112 Emergency Health teams were dispatched to the scene.
The injured 4 individuals who were pulled out of the water by the teams were taken to the hospital after the intervention at the scene. Unfortunately, 2 of the injured individuals could not be saved despite the intervention at the Kaçkar State Hospital. The treatment of the injured V.E. and Y.G. is continuing in hospitals in Rize.
An investigation has been initiated by the prosecutor’s office regarding the incident. The Quran course students were floating in the artificial lake created for canoeing on the side of the river when the incident occurred. The strong current in the lake caused the students to be swept away.
The teams of AFAD, the coast guard, gendarmerie, AKUT, and 112 Emergency Health responded promptly to the situation. The injured individuals were quickly rescued from the water and given medical attention before being transported to the hospital. Unfortunately, 2 of the students could not survive their injuries.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety precautions in place for activities such as canoeing in the area. The investigation by the prosecutor’s office will aim to determine the cause of the incident and whether any negligence or oversight contributed to the students being swept away by the current. The community is mourning the loss of the two students and hoping for the full recovery of the others.
The safety measures at the artificial lake and surrounding areas will likely be reviewed and improved upon following this tragic incident. The Quran course students and their families are receiving support and assistance during this difficult time. The community is coming together to grieve and support one another in the aftermath of this unexpected tragedy.