Primorsky Krai officials unite to combat preventable child fatalities

Drowning, scooter crashes, and unsupervised play put children at risk. Can stricter warnings and public campaigns turn the tide on preventable tragedies?

, and Administrator

2026 May 19 . 11:01 AM

1 min read

The image shows a chart depicting the number of fatal work injuries by major event or exposure from... — The image shows a chart depicting the number of fatal work injuries by major event or exposure from 2017 to 2021. The chart is accompanied by text that provides further information about the data.

Primorsky Krai officials unite to combat preventable child fatalities

A press conference titled Safe Childhood took place on May 18, 2023, at the government headquarters of Primorsky Krai. Officials from emergency services, healthcare, education, and law enforcement gathered to address growing concerns over child safety in the region.

Alexander Zlatkin, Minister for Civil Defense and Emergency Situations of Primorsky Krai, opened the event. He highlighted a troubling statistic: 90% of child fatalities stem from adult negligence, carelessness, or indifference. One example from last year involved a child drowning near their parents due to a lack of supervision.

Zlatkin also raised alarms about quarries, calling them dangerous yet popular spots for recreation. In response, authorities will install warning signs at sites where children have previously drowned. Medical experts at the conference stressed other risks. Vladislav Kostylev, deputy chief physician of Vladivostok’s Emergency Medical Station, warned about household dangers like open windows and unsecured home pools. Sergei Busarov, Primorye’s chief pediatric trauma surgeon, added that falls from electric scooters, mopeds, and bicycles often lead to traumatic brain injuries and lifelong spinal damage. Traffic police representative Elena Ivanova shared a concerning case where a parent taught their child to hide from officers to avoid fines for improper child restraints.

The conference brought together key figures to tackle preventable child injuries and deaths. Measures like warning signs at quarries and public awareness campaigns aim to reduce risks. Officials urged parents and guardians to take greater responsibility for child safety in daily life.