JEDDAH, 1 July 2004 — Nine people from three families died in a tragic sequential drowning in the Wadi Laban Park and recreational area, some 60 km east of Riyadh recently, Okaz newspaper reported.
A popular destination for families from the city, the greenery of this well-watered area attracts hundreds of visitors to camp and relax in its pools and glades.
The tragedy occurred when the three families, composed mainly of women and children, were camping near the waterside. Children were playing in the shallow waters and on the steep slopes nearby.
The exact sequence of events is unclear, but reports say that one child got into difficulty while in the water and drowned. His companions attempted to save him, but they too died in their attempts.
In all, nine people died from the three families.
Calls were made to the civil defense. Civil Defense chief Mesfer Al-Juaied said the department responded immediately with two rescue teams, which included five divers and three boats. By the time they arrived, swimmers who were nearby had recovered three of the bodies. Divers recovered the other six.
