One person is dead and four others were injured after a fountain electrocuted them at the Harbourside Place shopping center in Jupiter, Florida.
The Jupiter Police Department and Palm Beach County Fire Rescue responded to a call that a distressed child was in the fountain on Sunday around 3:30 p.m., reported WPBF. Firefighters told the outlet that people nearby tried to help the child before the possible electric shock in the water.
In total, eight people were evaluated for injuries, reported WPBF. Three people reportedly declined medical treatment, two adults were taken to nearby hospitals and three children were taken to trauma centers.
The Jupiter Police Department said in a Facebook news release, that “five individuals were injured and were transported to local hospitals.” The authorities confirmed that one of the adult victims was pronounced dead after arriving at the hospital.
The other adult victim has since been released from the Jupiter Medical Center. The three children are still recovering at St. Mary’s Medical Center.
“When we arrived on scene, the Jupiter Police Department and civilians were treating patients when we got here, so they got here very quick, and the community and Jupiter police were also involved in that, and that was a good thing,” said Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Captain, Tom Reyes, reported WPBF.
“This is a tragedy. Our focus is on the people involved and their families. We ask the community to join us in praying for them,” Harbourside CEO Nick Mastroianni said in a statement to WPTV.
“The incident did not happen in the splash pad area open to the public, but instead happened in a restricted fountain area, that states no climbing or swimming,” a Harbourside spokesperson told WPBF. Harbourside Place was not available to comment when reached by PEOPLE.
Florida Power and Light (FPL) shut off power to the area to assist authorities in the investigation, reported ABC News.
The Jupiter Police Department, the Town of Jupiter Building Department, Harbourside Place and Florida Power and Light personnel are now investigating the incident.
“We are aware of a serious incident that happened in Jupiter late Sunday afternoon,” the FPL said in a statement to PEOPLE. “Our crews responded quickly to ensure the site was safe for first responders to access the area. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of those involved.”
Was the kid really electrocuted? Or just drowned and needed a way to blame the shopping center?