Mysuru: Tragedy struck during a school excursion when two students drowned in the River Cauvery at Talakad in T Narasipur taluk of Mysuru district on Tuesday.
The deceased have been identified as Charvi (12) and Ramya (16), both students of Auxilium Navajeevana Institution, Bengaluru.
Incident during school trip
According to sources, a group comprising 71 students and nine staff members had travelled to Talakad as part of a school trip. During the visit, a few students reportedly entered the river, leading to the mishap.
It is said that five students, including Charvi and Ramya, got into difficulty while in the water and were on the verge of drowning. Immediate rescue efforts were launched by those present at the spot.
Rescue efforts and casualties
All five students were pulled out of the river and rushed to a nearby hospital in T Narasipur town. However, despite efforts to save them, Charvi and Ramya succumbed.
Another student, identified as Sujitha, is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital in Mysuru. The condition of the other rescued students has not been detailed.
Police case registered
Police have registered a case and initiated an investigation into the incident. Officials are likely to examine the circumstances under which the students entered the river and whether adequate safety measures were in place during the excursion.
Talakad, situated along the River Cauvery, is a popular tourist and pilgrimage destination, but certain stretches of the river are known to be risky due to strong currents and uneven riverbeds.
Safety concerns during excursions
The incident has once again raised concerns about safety protocols during school trips, particularly at natural water bodies. Experts stress the importance of strict supervision, clear instructions to students and the presence of trained personnel when visiting potentially hazardous locations.
Authorities may review guidelines for educational institutions organising excursions to ensure such tragedies are prevented in the future.
Conclusion
The drowning of two students during a school trip has cast a shadow over what was meant to be an educational outing. As investigations continue, the focus is likely to remain on accountability and strengthening safety measures to avoid similar incidents.