2-Year-Old Toddler Found Dead in Drainage Channel in East Balikpapan

A two-year-old toddler identified as KR was found dead on Sunday (31 May) after allegedly falling into and drowning in a drainage channel on Jalan Mangga 5, RT 54, Manggar Subdistrict, East Balikpapan. East Balikpapan Police Chief AKP M Chusen confirmed the incident, stating the child, born on 17 December 2023, was reported missing while playing outside his home before being found unconscious under a bridge in the Selili area by residents. ‘The incident occurred when the victim’s mother was inside the house changing her sibling’s diaper. The child was initially playing near the front of the house in the morning, but the family later noticed his absence and began searching,’ he said. The family, alongside neighbours, searched the vicinity after the child went missing. During the search, residents discovered the child’s sandal near the drainage channel in front of the house. ‘This discovery led the family to suspect he had fallen into the drain, prompting a search along the waterway. The child was found unconscious under a bridge in Selili RT 100 around 10:40 AM WITA,’ the police chief added. The location where the child was found was reportedly some distance from where he was last seen, following the water flow connecting Manggar and Selili areas. ‘After being found, the child was rushed to Medika Manggar Hospital for medical assistance, but he could not be revived,’ he said. According to doctors at the Emergency Department (IGD), the child arrived unconscious, not breathing, and without a pulse. Medical teams performed CPR and emergency procedures, but the child showed no signs of life. ‘He was pronounced dead at 11:00 AM WITA after all medical efforts were exhausted,’ Chusen stated. He believes the incident was a pure accident, with the child’s young age and the open, deep, and strong-flowing drain likely the primary causes. The police chief urged parents to increase supervision of their children, especially those living near open waterways or drains. The incident serves as a reminder for the community to prioritise child safety. The East Balikpapan Police Station will coordinate with local authorities and relevant agencies to implement mitigation measures at locations posing safety risks. ‘We also recommend assessing drainage channels deemed high-risk, including installing safety barriers, drain covers, and warning signs at dangerous spots,’ he added. (EM)