A Brazilian court has ruled that the State of Ceará must compensate the mother of João Vítor da Silva Oliveira, who tragically drowned while playing at a construction site for the Cinturão das Águas in Barbalha. The incident occurred on February 18, 2022, when João and his half-brother Eduardo, who was 10, were playing near the site while their father was working close by. Unfortunately, their father did not realize the boys were in danger until it was too late.

After being rushed to the São Vicente de Paulo Hospital, João Vítor passed away about an hour after arrival, while Eduardo was admitted to Intensive Care but succumbed to his injuries the following day. The court's decision highlights the accountability of the State for the safety measures surrounding the construction site, emphasizing that such tragic events could have been prevented with adequate supervision and infrastructure.

This ruling not only seeks to provide some financial relief to the grieving mother but also serves as a stern reminder to authorities about the importance of maintaining safety, particularly in public works projects where children may be present. The case has gained attention in Brazil, raising questions about construction site safety regulations and the responsibilities of state agencies in preventing similar tragic incidents in the future.