2025-07-23T17:37:27Z

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Imagine a sunny day at a waterpark, laughter and splashes filling the air, when suddenly, the unthinkable happens. A toddler's life is cut tragically short after slipping from her father's grasp on a waterslide. This heartbreaking incident unfolded at the Aquagan waterpark in Lopar, Croatia, where a 21-month-old girl from Germany suffered fatal injuries in a horrific accident.

On that fateful Tuesday afternoon, the little girl fell approximately three and a half meters onto a hard concrete floor after losing her grip from her dad's arms. Eyewitnesses reported the unimaginable moment when the girl's father cried out in anguish, saying, 'Don't ask me anything, my daughter is dying!' as chaos erupted around them.

In a desperate bid to save her life, first responders rushed her by helicopter to the Rijeka Hospital. Initially, there was a glimmer of hope; a witness recalled seeing the girl briefly regain consciousness, moving her arms under the care of a doctor who fortuitously happened to be nearby. However, despite swift medical intervention and intensive treatment, her condition deteriorated, and she was pronounced dead early the next morning.

Firefighters played a crucial role by securing a landing site for the rescue helicopter, while local authorities initiated an investigation to determine the cause of this tragic accident. So far, officials have not confirmed if the waterslide met safety standards or if it was appropriate for young children. Mayor Zdenko Jakuc expressed disbelief that such an accident could occur at a facility that has operated safely for over two decades. 'It is an understatement to say that we are all extremely shaken,' he said, reflecting the profound sorrow felt by the entire community.

The pediatric clinic at Rijeka Hospital confirmed the child's passing and highlighted the severity of her injuries, including critical damage to her brain and internal organs. The Lopar tourist board emphasized the waterpark's long-standing reputation for safety and expressed deep condolences to the grieving family. Meanwhile, the park's owner, Josip Ivanić, has chosen not to comment on the tragedy.