Teenagers in Tragic Accident at River Tyne
- Two teenagers, aged 14 and 13, faced a tragic accident while playing near River Tyne.
- One boy lost his life, while the other is in critical condition after getting into difficulty in the river.
- Emergency services were called to the scene, launching a massive search operation.
Two boys were playing near a river in Northumberland. One was 14 years old and the other was 13. Sadly, the 14-year-old boy passed away, and the 13-year-old boy is in critical condition. The incident happened near a bridge in Ovingham, a village east of Hexham. The police were called at 3.30 pm on Saturday. The 14-year-old boy's body was found in the water, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. The area where the incident occurred has strong currents that are not always visible. Freshwater is harder to float in than saltwater. Last year, a 13-year-old boy drowned in the same area. The Robert Hattersley Foundation, named after a previous victim, emphasized the importance of educating children about river dangers. The number of child drownings in England has increased, prompting efforts to boost water safety education in schools. Locals mentioned that the boys might have been part of a group from Newcastle playing near the river. The older boy may have tried to rescue the younger one. Emergency services were deployed immediately, and the 13-year-old boy was rescued and taken to the hospital in critical condition. The 14-year-old boy's body was found later. The families of both boys are receiving support from specially trained officers. The incident is a tragic reminder of the dangers of playing near rivers, especially in areas with strong currents. It is essential to raise awareness about water safety among children and ensure they understand the risks involved in such activities.