Guaymallén: Woman and grandson die after falling into septic tank

A 61-year-old woman, Miriam Isabel Videla, and her 23-month-old grandson, Borja Lionel Berardi Panini, died after falling into an open septic tank at a residence in Rodeo de la Cruz, Guaymallén, Mendoza.

The incident occurred around 8:20 PM on Wednesday, September 16. A teenager cooking in the house noticed the grandmother and her younger brother were missing. Upon checking the backyard, the children's mother discovered Videla's feet protruding from the septic tank opening.

Neighbors assisted in the extraction efforts. After retrieving Videla's body, rescuers found the child submerged beneath her. While Videla was pronounced dead at the scene, the child was rushed to the Humberto Notti Pediatric Hospital via police vehicle. Despite resuscitation efforts, medical staff confirmed his death at 9:10 PM.

Preliminary investigations suggest the septic tank is located approximately five meters from the main building, with an opening of 60 by 60 centimeters. Authorities are investigating whether the child fell first and the grandmother attempted a rescue, though the exact sequence of events remains unclear.