A tragic river accident claims life of Eliza Pop, a 14-year-old girl from Bella Vista, Toledo. The heartbreaking incident happened near her home while she bathed in a nearby river. According to her father, Eliza unknowingly stepped into a deep pit hidden beneath the river’s surface.
The area where Eliza was swimming had been altered by heavy machinery. Her father explained that while the children played in shallow water, Eliza moved only a few meters back. Unaware of the danger, she suddenly stepped into a deep hole.
“They were bathing in the shallow part,” her father said. “But when she stepped back, just about three meters from the riverside, she didn’t know there was a deep hole—about 25 feet deep—dug by an excavator.”
He added, “As soon as she stepped there, she sank instantly. That’s how I lost my daughter.”
This tragic river accident has deeply shaken the Bella Vista community. What began as a fun outing turned into a devastating loss. Now, Eliza’s father is speaking out to prevent similar tragedies. He is warning residents, especially children, about these unmarked dangers in natural swimming areas.
Unregulated and unmarked excavations near rivers can pose hidden threats. Without clear signage or barriers, these spots become death traps—especially for children.
Eliza’s death serves as a painful reminder. Local authorities must now consider inspecting and marking such areas. Safety measures, like warning signs or fencing, can help avoid more tragedies.
Eliza’s family and community mourn her loss. Meanwhile, her father hopes his warning will save lives in the future.
