Tag:

child safety

Orphanage Fire in Algeria Kills 11 Children, Leaves 19 Others Injured

by Olawunmi Sola-Otegbade July 16, 2026

written by Olawunmi Sola-Otegbade

A devastating fire at an orphanage in Algeria has claimed the lives of 11 children and left 19 others injured, prompting a nationwide outpouring of grief and an official investigation into the cause of the tragedy.

According to local authorities, the blaze broke out during the night while children were inside the facility. Emergency responders, including firefighters and medical personnel, rushed to the scene to extinguish the flames and rescue those trapped inside the building.

Officials confirmed that 11 children died in the incident, while 19 others sustained injuries ranging from minor burns to serious smoke inhalation. The injured victims were transported to nearby hospitals, where several remain under medical observation.

The cause of the fire has not yet been officially determined, and investigators have launched an inquiry to establish how the blaze started and whether any safety violations or structural issues contributed to the disaster.

Authorities are also assessing the condition of the orphanage and reviewing fire safety measures to determine whether emergency protocols were properly followed.

Algerian government officials expressed condolences to the families of the victims and pledged full support for survivors, caregivers, and the affected community. They also promised that those found responsible for any negligence would be held accountable if violations are discovered during the investigation.

The tragedy has renewed concerns about fire safety standards in childcare facilities and public institutions across the country, with experts calling for stricter inspections and improved emergency preparedness.

Humanitarian organizations and community leaders have also extended support to the surviving children, emphasizing the need for psychological care alongside medical treatment following the traumatic incident.

As investigators continue gathering evidence, authorities have urged the public to await the official findings and avoid speculation regarding the cause of the fire.

The deadly blaze ranks among the most tragic incidents involving a childcare institution in Algeria in recent years and is expected to prompt renewed discussions about child welfare and building safety regulations.

Swifteradio.com

July 16, 2026 0 comments

Health

‘This Is Not a Toy’: Children’s Hospitals Warn of Rising E-Scooter Injuries Among Kids

by Olawunmi Sola-Otegbade June 21, 2026

written by Olawunmi Sola-Otegbade

Children’s hospitals are sounding the alarm over a growing number of e-scooter-related injuries involving children, urging parents and caregivers to recognize that electric scooters are not toys and can pose serious safety risks when used improperly.

Medical professionals across several pediatric healthcare facilities report a noticeable increase in emergency room visits linked to e-scooter accidents, with many young patients suffering fractures, head injuries, facial trauma, and other serious complications.

Doctors say the trend has become increasingly concerning as electric scooters gain popularity among children and teenagers, often without adequate supervision or protective gear.

“This is not a toy,” healthcare professionals emphasized, warning that e-scooters are motorized devices capable of reaching speeds that can cause life-altering injuries in the event of a crash.

According to pediatric specialists, some of the most common injuries include broken arms and wrists resulting from falls, dental injuries, cuts requiring stitches, and concussions caused by impacts to the head.

Many of the injured children reportedly were not wearing helmets at the time of their accidents.

Healthcare experts stress that helmets significantly reduce the risk of severe head injuries and should always be worn when operating e-scooters, bicycles, skateboards, or similar devices.

Doctors are also encouraging parents to familiarize themselves with local regulations regarding e-scooter use, including age restrictions and safety requirements that may vary by jurisdiction.

The surge in injuries has prompted renewed calls for greater public awareness about the dangers associated with motorized scooters, particularly among younger users who may underestimate the risks involved.

Safety advocates note that the sleek appearance and widespread availability of e-scooters can create the impression that they are harmless recreational devices.

However, experts argue that their speed, weight, and design require the same level of caution expected when operating other forms of transportation.

Parents are being advised to supervise younger riders, enforce the use of protective equipment, and ensure children understand basic safety practices before using e-scooters.

Recommended precautions include wearing helmets, elbow pads, and knee pads, avoiding busy roads, remaining alert to traffic and pedestrians, and refraining from using mobile phones while riding.

Pediatric healthcare providers also encourage families to discuss responsible riding habits and assess whether children possess the maturity and coordination necessary to operate such devices safely.

As emergency departments continue to treat increasing numbers of e-scooter-related injuries, medical professionals hope their warnings will help prevent avoidable accidents.

The growing trend serves as a reminder that while e-scooters offer convenience and enjoyment, they also carry risks that demand respect and responsible use.

For healthcare workers witnessing the consequences firsthand, the message remains clear: electric scooters should never be mistaken for toys, and prioritizing safety can make the difference between a fun ride and a trip to the emergency room.

Swifteradio.com

June 21, 2026 0 comments

News

6-Year-Old Killed, Two Children Injured in ATV Crash in Northwest Territories

by Olawunmi Sola-Otegbade June 8, 2026

written by Olawunmi Sola-Otegbade

A tragic all-terrain vehicle (ATV) crash in the Northwest Territories has claimed the life of a six-year-old child and left two other young children injured, prompting an ongoing police investigation into the incident.

The crash occurred Saturday evening in the community of Behchokǫ̀, according to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Officers responded to reports of the collision at approximately 9 p.m. and arrived to find that the six-year-old victim had died at the scene.

Two other children involved in the crash, aged eight and 11, were rushed for medical treatment. Police said the 11-year-old received treatment and was later released from hospital, while the eight-year-old sustained more serious injuries and was transported outside the Northwest Territories for additional medical care.

Authorities confirmed that none of the children involved in the crash were wearing helmets at the time of the incident.

Under Northwest Territories law, ATV operators are required to wear approved helmets and must be at least 16 years old to legally operate the vehicles.

Police have not yet released details about how the crash occurred or whether any adults were involved. The identities of the children have also not been disclosed.

The fatal incident has raised renewed concerns about ATV safety and the importance of following regulations designed to protect riders, particularly young children.

The RCMP says the investigation remains ongoing as officers work to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Community members in Behchokǫ̀ are mourning the loss of the young child while hoping for the recovery of the injured victims.

June 8, 2026 0 comments

Tech

Judge Rules Mark Zuckerberg Not Personally Liable in Lawsuits Over Social Media’s Impact on Children

by Adetoun Tade November 9, 2024

written by Adetoun Tade

In a significant ruling, U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers has dismissed 25 lawsuits accusing Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg of personally concealing the mental health risks associated with social media use, particularly among children. The federal judge determined that the plaintiffs failed to provide concrete evidence linking Zuckerberg directly to the alleged harm caused by Facebook and Instagram, stating that “control of corporate activity alone is insufficient” to establish personal liability.

The lawsuits, filed across 13 states, accuse Zuckerberg and his company of knowingly downplaying the serious mental health risks of excessive social media use, such as addiction, anxiety, and depression, which have disproportionately affected young users. The plaintiffs have argued that Zuckerberg was the “guiding spirit” behind these efforts to conceal the risks, despite internal warnings about the platforms’ potential harms.

However, Judge Rogers found the claims against Zuckerberg to be insufficiently specific, effectively shielding him from personal liability. While the judge ruled in Zuckerberg’s favor, the case will continue against Meta itself, as the broader allegations related to the company’s practices remain unresolved.

This ruling is part of a wider legal battle involving several hundred lawsuits filed by children, their families, and school districts against major tech companies like Meta, Google, TikTok, and Snapchat. These cases seek to hold social media platforms accountable for their alleged role in promoting addictive behavior among young users.

The outcome is seen as a major step in the ongoing debate over the impact of social media on children’s well-being. State attorneys general across the U.S. are also pursuing similar legal actions, linking social media use to issues like mental health struggles, academic disruption, and sleep deprivation.

Previn Warren, a partner at Motley Rice representing the plaintiffs, emphasized that the legal team would continue gathering evidence to expose how “Big Tech has knowingly prioritized profits over the safety of our children.”

This case is part of the broader In re Social Media Adolescent Addiction/Personal Injury Products Liability Litigation and marks a key moment in the legal scrutiny facing social media giants.

Source: Swifteradio.com

November 9, 2024 0 comments