Seven-year-old drowns in school pool; probe launched

By Laila Azzeh - Apr 14,2014 - Last updated at Apr 14,2014

AMMAN — A seven-year-old girl drowned in her school’s pool in Amman on Monday, prompting the Education Ministry to form a committee to investigate the incident.

The student was swimming along with her peers at the private school when she drowned, Education Ministry Spokesperson Walid Jallad told The Jordan Times over the phone.

He could not confirm whether a lifeguard was present at the scene or not, noting that the investigative panel, which includes members of the ministry’s private education and legal affairs departments, will present its report to the court.

Jallad expressed Education Minister Mohammad Thneibat’s regret over the incident, noting that he personally pledged to follow up on the case.

The name of the school was withheld upon a request from the ministry.

According to Civil Defence Department figures, approximately 11 people died and 18 were injured in drowning incidents in the first half of 2012.

Thirty people drowned in 2011 and 46 the year before, while a total of 102 drowning incidents occurred in 2009, resulting in 43 deaths.

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