Child critically injured in balcony fall

Ottawa police say a young child is in critical condition after falling from a fourth-floor balcony Wednesday, calling it the third such incident in the city in the past month.

Ottawa paramedics said they were called around 5:20 p.m. to a building near Abbott Street in Stittsville, but did not provide the address. They described the child’s condition as life-threatening.

“Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this heartbreaking incident,” wrote Ottawa police in a news release, calling it the third incident involving a child falling from a highrise building in about a month.

On April 28, a boy died after falling from an apartment window on Laurier Avenue E. in downtown Ottawa.

Police told CBC a third child was critically injured in a fall in Vanier last weekend.

“As warmer weather arrives and more families open windows and balcony doors, residents are encouraged to take extra precautions to help reduce the risk of similar incidents,” they wrote, adding that these incidents are “devastating and highlight how quickly and unexpectedly falls can occur.”

“Families, caregivers, and anyone who spends time around young children can help by having age-appropriate conversations about the dangers posed by windows, screens, railings, and balconies. These areas should not be treated as play spaces, and leaning, climbing, or pushing against screens or railings can be extremely dangerous.”

Police also recommend parents:

• Install child-proof window locks or window guards.
• Don’t rely on window screens to prevent falls.
• Keep beds and other furniture that kids can climb on away from windows and balcony railings.
• Limit children’s access to balconies unless they are directly supervised by a responsible adult.
• Regularly check that windows, doors, locks and other safety devices are functioning properly.