Sofia Aparecida Iaciuk, 3, was struck on the head by a loose goalpost, triggering an immediate cardiac arrest. Despite the efforts of paramedics she died of her injuries
A toddler was crushed to death after she was hit by a dislodged goalpost in a freak horror incident.
Little Sofia Aparecida Iaciuk, 3, had been playing beneath the metal goalposts as other children hung from it. Moments later, the equipment fell on her head, which led her going into immediate cardiac arrest.
Paramedics rushed to the private school in Prudentopolis, in Brazil’s Parana region, in a bid to resuscitate her for about an hour. Tragically, she died as a result of her injuries.
The local fire department said children had been playing on a court on Thursday afternoon when the incident happened. Forensic officers and police have since started to carry out an investigation at the site.
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The local government of Prudentopolis said in a Facebook post on Friday: “With deep sorrow, we express our condolences for the passing of Sofia Aparecida Iaciuk, aged 3. In this moment of profound sadness, may faith be your refuge and love your strength to carry on. Our prayers are with you.”
Her school added in a heart-breaking statement: “With hearts crushed by grief, we say goodbye to our beautiful student Sofia. We will continue to pray to God for comfort in the hearts of all who have lost her sweet companion.
“You will always be remembered by us! Our deepest and most sincere condolences to all who are suffering this loss.” Sofia’s family has not spoken out following her death.
The State Department of Education, calling for equipment to be secured on school grounds. The statement added: “Sports equipment, such as soccer and handball goals, basketball backboards, volleyball posts, and similar structures, must be properly secured using systems appropriate to the type of base, such as anchor bolts or concrete bases
“The equipment contracted by the State complies with ABNT standards, and caretakers or monitors are instructed to perform routine visual inspections of the equipment. Maintenance is routinely carried out to identify apparent signs of wear, corrosion, cracks, looseness, instability, or any other indication of structural compromise.”
Following Sofia’s tragic death, the state’s Department of Sports and Recreation postponed the finals of the Parana School Games. They have been rescheduled to be next played on Wednesday.
Sofia is due to be buried at the Sao Jose Chapel.
