Devastated firefighters who attempted to save three boys who tragically died after falling through a frozen lake have left laid floral tributes in their memory, while one child remains in hospital.
The trio - aged eight, 10 and 11 - tragically died in hospital on Monday night after emergency service workers tried to rescue them at the Babbs Mill lake at Kinghurst in Solihull, Birmingham. A six-year-old boy is currently fighting for his life as he remains in a critical condition.
Firefighters in protective overalls placed the flowers near the scene of the tragedy. The seven sombre-looking crew formed a line as they laid bouquets of flowers while being applauded by members of the public for their bravery.
West Midlands mayor Andy Street also left a tribute at the scene. It read: "Such a tragedy. So unnecessary. My heart goes out to the families that have lost their most precious gift. May their young lives rest in peace, and may Kingshurst come together to remember them."
The workers were called to the lake at 2.36pm on Sunday where it was reported four children had been playing on the ice and fallen through into the water. Those pulled from the water were given immediate life support by ambulance and fire service personnel before being rushed to two Birmingham hospitals; Birmingham Children’s and Heartlands, where they all arrived in critical condition.
West Midlands Police said nobody else had been reported missing during the incident. However, specialist officers are continuing to search the water, following reports that as many as six children may have been involved.
During a news conference at an entrance to Babbs Mill nature reserve, Superintendent Richard Harris, of West Midlands Police, said: “We have to be 100% certain that there is no one else possibly in the water at this time. It’s important to stress though that we’ve had no contact from anybody suggesting that there’s anybody else missing but until we’re 100% certain we will be carrying on searches throughout the course of today.
“Police officers did go into the water. They were joined by other members of the other emergency services. Some of the officers went in waist deep.
“One of my officers was trying to punch through the ice to actually rescue the children themselves. That officer as a result of that had some mild hypothermia yesterday. I’m pleased to say that he’s now been released from hospital and he’s absolutely fine.”
Families affected by the tragedy are “absolutely devastated”, he added.
He told reporters: “Also this time of year, it’s on the run-up to Christmas, so close to the event itself, also adds to that tragedy. But as you can imagine the families are absolutely devastated, which is why we’re doing our very best to support the families.
“And obviously we’re abiding by their requests at the moment as to how much information that the families want us to to make available to the media so we’re doing everything we possibly can to support them.”
West Midlands Fire Service area commander Richard Stanton said the deaths of the three boys were a tragic reminder of the dangers of open water.
Appearing beside Supt Harris, Mr Stanton said: “Yesterday’s incident is a stark reminder to us all of the dangers of open water, especially during the winter months. Frozen lakes, ponds, canals and reservoirs can look picturesque but they can be lethal and there are no greater warnings of this than yesterday’s tragic events.
“We would ask parents and carers to remind their children of the dangers of ice and why they must keep off it. Please help us to avoid this from happening again.”
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