A tragic incident occurred along the Multa River in the Altai Republic, involving a two-year-old child whose body was recovered by authorities. The regional government’s press service confirmed the events, detailing a sequence that led to this heartbreaking outcome and outlining the subsequent steps taken by investigators and rescue teams.
According to official statements, on August 10, at about 17:00 local time, a 22-year-old resident of the village of Multa in the Ust-Koksinsky district left his two-year-old daughter unattended for a brief period and went for a swim. In that moment, the child reportedly slipped away toward the riverbank and was drawn into the current. The mother, witnessing the peril, attempted to assist and immediately alerted the rescue services, recognizing that she could not bring the child to safety on her own. The swift response of trained responders is described as a critical factor in initiating a search for the child as soon as the danger was realized.
Rescue crews conducted a coordinated search along the river, working in difficult conditions and following standard procedures designed to locate missing persons in water environments. The search area extended approximately 700 meters downstream from the initial location, guided by the river’s current and water depth readings recorded at various points along the route. After a careful and methodical effort, the body of the child was located and retrieved from the water. The authorities reported that the body was transported to a facility for exhumation, forensic examination, and official documentation to determine the exact cause of death and to complete the formal investigative process.
Officials from the department stated that all necessary conditions and arrangements are being made to support the investigation. This includes ensuring that the scene is secured, that witnesses are interviewed, and that forensic experts have access to the body for autopsy and analysis. The case has been placed under formal review, with investigators reviewing every detail to understand how the events unfolded and to ascertain whether any safety measures or supervision protocols could have altered the outcome.
In related notes, authorities referenced another incident involving a swim-related accident in Altai, where a man was reported to have ventured across the river on August 3 and ended up swept away. The report underscores ongoing concerns about river safety and the need for heightened awareness among families and communities located near fast-moving watercourses. Additional mentions indicate that two individuals were reported to have experienced a separate water-related incident on an airborne transport rather than in a river setting, illustrating that water safety challenges can present themselves in diverse environments and require vigilance across different contexts.
As the investigation continues, regional officials emphasize that the case is being treated with due seriousness and that every appropriate measure will be taken to determine the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. The public is reminded of the importance of close supervision of young children near bodies of water, the adoption of safety practices around rivers and streams, and the readiness of emergency services to respond rapidly to similar emergencies. The ongoing work of investigators, combined with the swift actions of rescue teams, highlights the collective responsibility of communities to prevent such incidents and to safeguard the most vulnerable members of society. It is anticipated that further updates will be provided as forensic results and investigative progress unfold, while authorities preserve the integrity of the process and respect for those affected by this loss.”