Story By: Angjela Trajkovska, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Central European News 

A 16-year-old boy has died trying to rescue his younger brother from drowning in a river.

The tragic accident took place in a rural area outside the city of Popayan in the south-western Colombian department of Cauca while the victim’s family was spending time with relatives near a tributary.

Nicolas Osvaldo Mosquera jumped into the river when his unnamed younger brother began floundering in the water, but ended up drowning himself, according to local media.

The victim’s relative Daniela Munoz told local media: “He jumped into the water and grabbed his brother by the neck, but they both went underwater.

“I think he did not realise how deep the water was, but they both struggled and disappeared under the surface.”

Local resident Juan Carlos Masabeul heard the boys’ screams and went to help.

He said: “I was the first there to rescue them. I tried giving first aid to the boy so he could breathe. Neither of them knew how to swim.”

The police arrived on the scene and both boys were taken to a nearby hospital where Nicolas’ death was confirmed.

His younger brother is reportedly battling for his life in intensive care.

According to the Civil Defence, three children have drowned in the Colombian department of Cauca in a 48-hour period.

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