A tragic incident at the Aquagan waterpark in Lopar, Croatia, has left a family shattered and a close-knit tourist community reeling. A 21-month-old German toddler lost her life after slipping from her father’s arms while descending a waterslide, falling nearly four meters onto a concrete surface. Despite swift emergency response and intensive hospital care, the young girl succumbed to severe injuries, including traumatic brain damage. The heartbreaking accident marks the first major tragedy at the waterpark in its decades-long history.
A Day of Family Fun Turns to Tragedy
The Aquagan waterpark in Lopar has long been considered a haven for tourists and local families alike—a peaceful and safe environment for summer recreation. On the day of the incident, the atmosphere was no different. Families gathered to enjoy the sun, water attractions, and the serene surroundings of the Adriatic coast.
Among the visitors was a young German family, looking forward to a relaxing holiday. The toddler’s father reportedly took her on a waterslide, a common activity for parents and small children in such parks. However, as they descended, the child slipped from his grasp. According to local media and eyewitness accounts, she fell from the slide, plummeting nearly four meters onto the hard concrete below.
An immediate outcry of panic and disbelief rippled through the waterpark. Witnesses described hearing intense crying and shouting, moments before they realized the extent of the tragedy. A Slovenian doctor who was nearby sprang into action, administering CPR to the child as others called emergency services. “The waiter had just brought me coffee. When we heard crying and shouting, we thought the child had drowned,” one eyewitness shared with the media.
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A medical helicopter quickly arrived on the scene, further emphasizing the urgency and seriousness of the child’s condition. Parkgoers paused in stunned silence as the helicopter landed, holding on to hope that the worst could somehow be avoided. Lopar’s mayor, Zdenko Jakuc, later reflected on the moment: “When the helicopter landed, everything stopped. We all looked at the sky and hoped for the best.”
Medical Efforts Could Not Save Her
Once airlifted from the park, the toddler was transported to Rijeka Hospital Clinical Centre, a well-equipped facility in the region. The medical team immediately began intensive treatment. The child’s injuries, however, were catastrophic. Dr. Iva Bilić Čače, head of the hospital’s paediatric clinic, later confirmed that she suffered numerous serious bodily injuries, including significant trauma to the brain and internal organs.
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Despite prompt care, multiple medical interventions, and the efforts of a dedicated paediatric team, the toddler succumbed to her injuries. A hospital spokesperson delivered the devastating news: “Despite prompt care, multiple interventions and intensive treatment, the child died in the morning hours.”
The emotional toll of the incident has been profound. Hospital staff, accustomed to handling severe cases, were shaken by the loss of such a young life under such tragic circumstances. The broader community of Lopar, a place renowned for its family-friendly image, has also been deeply affected.
Zdenko Jakuc, the mayor, voiced the collective sorrow of the town: “It is an understatement to say that we are all extremely shaken. Lopar is not used to tragedies like this. This is a place that prides itself on being peaceful, ideal for families with small children.” The local tourist board echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that such an incident was unprecedented in the area’s history.
Investigation and Questions Surrounding the Accident
As the community mourns, an official investigation is now underway. The Primorje-Gorski Kotar Police Department has taken over the inquiry, with a focus on determining the exact cause of the fatal fall and whether safety measures were adequate. Authorities are gathering testimonies from witnesses, waterpark staff, and experts to reconstruct the chain of events.
Josip Ivanić, the long-time owner and manager of the Aquagan waterpark, expressed his devastation over the incident. “I wasn’t here when it happened and what can I tell you? It’s a tragedy for us, for the family, for everyone,” he said. He also emphasized that this was the first time in over 30 years of operation that the park had seen such a catastrophe.
Ivanić confirmed that the police were present at the park and that investigations were actively taking place. “The police are now in the park and investigating everything that happened. Now everyone is telling their own story about everything. Something like this has never happened in this park,” he stated, clearly distraught.
While no official findings have been released yet, many are questioning how a child so young was allowed on a waterslide, even in the presence of a parent. Waterparks generally have age and height restrictions in place for safety, and although it’s not unusual for toddlers to go down slides with adults, the danger of slipping or letting go can be substantial, particularly if the design of the slide or pool exit area is not toddler-friendly.
The incident also raises broader questions about waterpark safety regulations in Croatia and across Europe. Are the rules strict enough? Are lifeguards properly trained to enforce them? Do attractions have sufficient safety barriers or landing zones? These and other concerns will likely be at the heart of the ongoing investigation.
In the meantime, the waterpark may face increased scrutiny and calls for stricter operational oversight. Whether the tragedy will result in legal action against the park or lead to new legislation remains to be seen.
As for the grieving parents, little can be said to ease the immense pain of such a sudden and devastating loss. A moment that was meant to be joyful and bonding turned into an unimaginable nightmare. The entire ordeal serves as a stark reminder of how quickly joy can turn to grief, especially in environments involving high-risk recreational equipment.
This tragedy has struck a chord not only in Croatia but also across Europe and beyond. As details continue to emerge, families everywhere are holding their children a little closer, reminded once again of the fragile and precious nature of life.