A school trip to Somnath and Gir turned tragic on Friday when a 13-year-old student from Rajkot drowned in a swimming pool at a resort in Sasan Gir. The young victim, identified as Hardik Baraiya, was a Class 8 student at Navyug School in Rajkot.
School Excursion Ends in Tragedy
The unfortunate incident took place during an educational trip organized by the school. A total of 157 students from classes 5 to 12 were part of the excursion, accompanied by approximately 12 teachers and staff members. The itinerary included visits to Somnath and Devaliya.
Sequence of Events Leading to the Accident
After paying their respects at the Somnath temple, the group proceeded to The Gir Gateway Resort on the Sasan–Talala road for lunch. The tragedy unfolded between 1:00 PM and 1:30 PM. While the majority of the students were having their meal, Hardik reportedly entered the resort's swimming pool unaccompanied and drowned.
The exact circumstances that led to the drowning are still unclear and under investigation. Authorities have not yet determined how the boy accessed the pool area or why he was alone at the time.
Emergency Response and Police Investigation
Immediately after the incident was discovered, Hardik was rushed to a nearby medical facility using a 108 ambulance service. He was later transferred to the Talala government hospital for advanced treatment. However, doctors at the hospital declared him brought dead upon arrival.
Law enforcement agencies from two districts swiftly responded to the scene. Personnel from both the Mendarda police in Junagadh district and the Talala police from Gir Somnath district reached the resort to initiate a thorough investigation into the incident.
The school authorities informed Hardik's grieving parents in Rajkot about the devastating news. The police are likely to examine safety protocols at the resort, supervision arrangements during the school trip, and the sequence of events that led to the young boy's untimely death.
