Fernández Oro: Search for child in irrigation canal ends in tragedy

A search operation in Fernández Oro, Río Negro, has ended in tragedy following the death of a young boy, Gian, who was missing after a vehicle accident. The incident occurred early Saturday morning near Route 22 in the Puente de Hierro area, when a car carrying a family plunged into a main irrigation canal. While both parents managed to escape the vehicle, the child was swept away by the current.

After nearly 48 hours of intensive searching involving the Río Negro Police, Prefectura Naval, Civil Defense, firefighters, and specialized divers, the boy's body was located on Sunday afternoon. The recovery took place in a drainage area approximately 200 to 500 meters downstream from the initial accident site. Rescuers utilized drones, kayaks, and heavy machinery to reduce water levels and navigate through thick vegetation and debris to facilitate the search.

Local authorities, including Mayor Gustavo Amati, confirmed the finding, and the boy's parents have identified the body. The Prosecutor's Office is conducting an investigation to determine the exact cause of the vehicle losing control. The mother remains hospitalized in Cipolletti with a skull fracture, while the father was briefly detained before being released. An autopsy will be performed to clarify the circumstances of the death.