Two children found floating in river in horror NYE tragedy
A witness has described the 'panic and chaos' during early celebrations in Perth.
Two young children have died in a devastating New Year's Eve tragedy at a popular swimming spot in Australia's west.
A young boy and girl were found floating in Perth's Swan River late on Sunday afternoon as revellers were getting set to ring in the new year. The children, both under the age of 10, were spotted at Burswood near Perth Stadium before they were desperately pulled from the water by members of the public.
Both children were unresponsive by the time authorities arrived on the scene, WA Police said. Eight ambulances rushed to the water while police cordoned off the area. The children were administered CPR but were unable to be revived. They were taken to Perth Children's Hospital where it was later announced they had passed away.
The incident happened near where revellers had gathered for New Year's Eve celebrations and close to a children's playground.
One witness, Bulal Walizada, who was in the area with his family, told the ABC there were chaotic scenes as a man jumped into the river in an attempt to save the children.
"He's just rushed over, jumped in, pulled them out of the water," he said. "There was a woman who said she was a nurse. She came over and started doing CPR.
"From that moment everyone was just gathered around. There was a lot of panic and chaos."
The West Australian reported the children were from two different families with witness accounts saying one woman could be heard screaming as she realised one of the victims was her child.
The state's Coronial authorities are conducting an investigation and a report will be prepared.
with AAP
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