Forensic Report Reveals New Details in Japanese Boy's Death at Vietnam Resort

A newforensic reporthas shed light on the tragic death of 11-year-old Hanawa Yukiji at the Centara Mirage Resort Mui Ne in Phan Thiet City, Vietnam, in 2022. The report, released by the National Institute of Criminal Sciences in Ho Chi Minh City, suggests that Yukiji may have died due to suction from the pool's drainage system, contradicting an earlier report from the same institute.

Why this matters: This case highlights the importance of thorough investigations and accountability in cases of preventable deaths, especially in the tourism industry where safety standards can have a direct impact on visitors' lives. The outcome of this investigation may have implications for resort safety regulations and practices in Vietnam and beyond.

According to the new findings, thepool's drainage systemcould have forcefully sucked someone of Yukiji's stature, 1.4 meters tall and weighing 39 kilograms, below the surface of the water, leading to his death. This contrasts with the institute's previous report in 2023, which stated that the pool's mechanism would not be able to suck in someone of similar stature to Yukiji's.

Forensic analysis revealed that Yukiji died fromacute pulmonary edemaand respiratory failure due to drowning. Square bruises found on his body were consistent with being pressed against or sucked into objects with similar shapes, such as the metal mesh on the drain.

Theinvestigationinto Yukiji's death has been ongoing since the incident on April 5, 2022, when he was found"sucked against a metal mesh in the pool"and died on the way to the hospital. Phan Thiet City police initially launched an investigation into involuntary manslaughter due to misconduct in professional practice or administrative rules in May 2022.

The case faced several suspensions and restarts due to the investigation period passing, the forensic science department's failure to explain the drainage sewer's workings, and a lack of criminal evidence. In February 2024, the case was handed over to theBinh Thuan provincial police department, who are now investigating potential charges of involuntary manslaughter due to misconduct in professional practice.

Lawyer Dao Thi Bich Lien stated that Binh Thuan investigators will evaluate the design, construction, and operation of the pool to determine the truth. Yukiji's familyhas maintained that his death was not an accident but rather due to the pool's design and operation.

The new forensic report has reignited the investigation into the tragic death of Hanawa Yukiji, providing fresh insights that challenge the initial findings. As the Binh Thuan provincial police continue theirinvestigation, the focus remains on uncovering the truth behind the incident and determining whether the resort's pool design and operation played a role in the young boy's untimely demise.

Key Takeaways

• New forensic report suggests 11-year-old Hanawa Yukiji died from suction by pool's drainage system.
• Initial report from same institute contradicted new findings, sparking renewed investigation.
• Yukiji died from acute pulmonary edema and respiratory failure due to drowning.
• Investigation ongoing since 2022, with potential charges of involuntary manslaughter.
• Focus remains on determining if pool design and operation contributed to the boy's death.