Preventing Tragedy

As some you may know, a 2 year-old girl drowned last week after falling into a septic tank.  Every time I hear the story I feel sick, not only because of what the family is going through, but for the future that little girl will never have.  This has cause many, including the radio station that I listen to during the work week, to ask how this could have been prevented.  Unfortunately, they are asking about septic tank regulations, which is a great idea, but it isn’t the cause for the death of this little girl.  I know many of those that might read this blog will want to roast me for saying this, but it is the mother’s fault that this girl is dead.

Let’s lay it on the line here.  This girl, remember she was only 2, was left outside, along with her four siblings, while the mother was inside the house.  The girl wandered off the property to a neighboring property, which was not inhabited, and fell into the septic tank.  I do not know how old the siblings are, but they were obviously not old enough to be responsible for their sister.  I’m sorry, but the mother should have been out there.  This was a horrible accident and it is possible that it could have been prevented if the septic tank was maintained, inspected, whatever.  It could have DEFINITELY been prevented if the mother had been outside making sure her toddler didn’t wander off of her own property.