A severe incident occurred at a water park operated by the "Bik Albatross" group located on the Ourika Road in Marrakech, shocking and upsetting the community. A 14-year-old boy sustained serious injuries and facial disfigurements while using one of the water slides within the recreational facility.
According to multiple sources and testimonies from witnesses present at the scene, the victim was with a group of friends, all students at the American School in Marrakech, accompanied by an adult. The fun outing turned into a tragic accident due to what witnesses described as a lack of essential safety measures and monitoring within the area.
The incident occurred as a result of a violent collision between the inflatable device the boy was using and another inflatable belonging to another child in the water slide. It was expected that supervisors and safety personnel would ensure that the path was clear before allowing any users to enter, to prevent any potentially hazardous collisions.
The accident resulted in severe injuries, including damage to the nose, mouth, and teeth, along with significant tearing of the upper lip and gums, leading to facial disfigurements and acute bleeding that necessitated the urgent transfer of the child to a private clinic in Marrakech. There, he underwent initial surgical intervention to repair the injuries and stabilize his health condition.
According to the initial medical report, the victim was granted a medical disability exceeding 32 days, which is subject to extension, while two other children involved in the same incident sustained injuries of varying severity.
Witnesses who were with the victim confirmed that the first to inform the family about the incident was not a responsible party from the "Aqua Park" administration, but rather the boy's friends who were present. Furthermore, it appears that the situation was not handled with the urgency and seriousness required given the severity of the injuries.
Additionally, reports indicated that the facility does not have a doctor on site, despite having what is referred to as a "nursing room." It is expected that a medical team and proper emergency equipment be available in an area that receives large numbers of children and families, especially during the summer and heat waves.
The reports also highlighted that the private ambulance called to the scene, instead of the civil protection services, arrived a relatively long time after the accident, amidst criticisms regarding the inadequacy of facilities and initial care conditions for the injured.
The family and close friends of the victim stated that, to date, there has been no clear official communication from the management of the facility regarding the incident, nor have any practical or serious measures been taken to support the child's health condition, reassure his family, or clarify the safety procedures and responsibilities related to what happened.
In light of the serious injuries and the psychological and physical damage suffered by the child, the family has decided to pursue legal action against the management of the facility, demanding a comprehensive investigation to determine accountability and ensure that such incidents do not recur, which pose a threat to the safety of children and visitors.
As reported by ar.hibapress.com.
