In the U.S. state of Ohio, a Sunday outing on the Scioto River ended in tragedy. On the evening of July 19, one of the men began to drown while swimming. Two adults jumped into the water to rescue him but were overcome by the current and started drowning themselves. Two others still on the shore then tried to help all three — but in the end, all five drowned.
A full-blown catastrophe unfolded before the eyes of children watching from the shore. The kids ran to the road, flagged down a passing car, and asked for help. Rescue workers found two women unconscious, but doctors were unable to save them. The bodies of the three men were discovered the following day further downstream. The children were placed under the care of authorities.
The cause of the incident has not yet been determined. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the river’s water level was high and the current was strong, though no abnormal weather conditions were recorded. An investigation is ongoing. State officials have expressed condolences to the families of the victims.
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