A forensic examination has found evidence of both electrocution and drowning in the death of a 10-year-old boy who was discovered in an irrigation canal in northern Greece.
The tragedy occurred on Wednesday in the Serres regional area, where the child was found unconscious in the water shortly before noon after reportedly playing near the settlement earlier in the day.
Emergency services rushed to the scene, including police officers and nine firefighters with three vehicles who took part in the recovery operation.
The boy was transported to a local health center, where doctors confirmed his death.
His Mother Reported Him Missing
The boy’s disappearance was noticed early on Wednesday afternoon, when his mother, alarmed after losing track of him, contacted authorities and asked for help locating her child.
Firefighters, police officers and local residents immediately launched a search operation around the area where the boy had last been seen.
A short time later, a firefighter taking part in the search discovered the child inside the canal.
The boy was pulled from the water unconscious and rushed to the Irakleia Health Center, where doctors confirmed his death. His body was later transferred to Serres Hospital, while an autopsy is expected to take place in Thessaloniki on Thursday in order to determine the exact cause of death.
Authorities noted an exposed cable inside the canal.
Two Arrests
At the same time, the child’s mother was arrested on charges related to child neglect.
Police also arrested a 43-year-old female homeowner who, according to complaints, had been stealing electricity, with the cable reportedly passing through the irrigation canal.
