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Thomas Cook investigates five-year-old’s drowning

Thomas Cook has launched an investigation into the death of a five-year-old boy who drowned in a swimming pool at one of its properties.

Colum Canning had just arrived at the Explorers Hotel in Disneyland Resort Paris on December 19 with his parents, seven-year-old sister and twin brother when he wandered away and fell into the unsupervised pool.

Although he was quickly discovered, Canning was unconscious when he was pulled from the pool and could not be revived. His parents made the decision to turn off his life support unit the next day.

The family were hoping to celebrate both the festive season and the twins’ birthday on Boxing Day at the resort.

While the French authorities already completed an investigation into the incident at the hotel, the operator is also looking into it.

A Thomas Cook spokesman said: “Our deepest sympathies continue to be with the Canning family at this difficult time and we will continue to provide support to them.

“Following the immediate investigation and reopening of the pool by local authorities, we have instigated an independent investigation into this tragic accident which is currently ongoing.”

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