3-year-old boy in critical condition after near-drowning accident in Spokane River

OTIS ORCHARDS, Wash. – A 3-year-old boy was pulled from the Spokane River today and taken to the hospital in critical condition.

According to the Spokane Valley Fire Department, firefighters responded to a reported drowning on East Buckeye Avenue near Barker Road at 6:38 p.m. They arrived six minutes after receiving the 911 call.

The child was recovered from the river and bystanders performed CPR until emergency responders arrived. Firefighters believe the child was in the water for less than five minutes.

Initially, a rescue helicopter was called, but the operation was aborted because the firefighters decided that the child could be taken to the hospital more quickly by ambulance.

The child was taken to Sacred Heart Hospital accompanied by emergency personnel and was said to be in critical condition at last check-up.

Firefighters determined the child was not wearing a life jacket or personal flotation device during the incident. Spokane Valley stresses the importance of safety precautions and reminds people that tragedies can strike unexpectedly and strongly recommends wearing a life jacket or personal flotation device while in the river.

This is a developing story and more details will be announced at a later date.

FOX28 Spokane©