Following the death of a two-year-old at a private childcare facility in Ząbki on May 20, investigators have confirmed drowning as the preliminary cause of death, pending further forensic analysis.
Investigation into the Tragic Incident
The incident occurred on Wednesday, May 20, around 4:20 PM at a private facility on Kwiatowa Street in Ząbki. Despite immediate life-saving efforts by staff and arriving emergency responders, the child could not be saved.
The boy’s body was discovered in a garden pond located on the premises. Prosecutors are now investigating how the child wandered away from supervision and whether the area was properly secured.
Autopsy and Legal Proceedings
Friday morning’s autopsy indicated drowning as the cause of death, with no mechanical injuries noted on the child’s body. The District Prosecutor’s Office in Warsaw-Praga expects final expert reports to follow detailed testing.
The District Prosecutor’s Office in Wołomin has opened an investigation into involuntary manslaughter. Officials are currently analyzing facility documentation, securing evidence, and interviewing witnesses to determine who was responsible for the child’s supervision at the time.
Facility Staff and Operational Status
Two caregivers, aged 48 and 53, were detained in connection with the case. Both were confirmed to be sober at the time of the incident, and prosecutors are currently determining the next procedural steps regarding potential charges.
Authorities are also investigating the formal status of the facility, as conflicting reports have described it as either a nursery or a children’s club. The legal classification remains under review.
Official Oversight and Safety Reviews
Deputy Minister of Family, Labour and Social Policy Aleksandra Gajewska has ordered an urgent safety inspection of the Ząbki facility. Previous records indicate the last inspection occurred in June 2025 without incident, with another scheduled for late 2026.
Investigators are reconstructing the timeline to establish how long the child was left unattended and whether the facility complied with mandatory safety procedures for the care of young children.