Texas toddler drowns in ditch, another clinging to life

HOUSTON — A 3-year-old boy has died and his 1-year-old brother is in critical condition after falling into a drainage ditch in northeast Houston, according to Houston Police.

The mother of the two toddlers found them around 5:15 p.m. CT in the ditch close to their home. The children's father arrived shortly after, and both parents tried performing CPR on the boys but were unsuccessful.

The couple brought their children to a nearby fire station where an ambulance took them to the hospital. The names of the family members have not been released.

"After arriving at the hospital, one of the children, the 3-year-old, was pronounced deceased, and the 1-year-old is in critical condition," said Lt. Joe Ambriz of the Harris County Sheriff's Office. "A very tragic situation we have here. It's still an active investigation."

The 1-year-old was airlifted to Woman's Hospital of Texas in critical condition.

The mother was bathing her 5-year-old when her two younger children got out of the home, police said. And the boys somehow fell into the ditch where water regularly collects after heavy rains.

Their father typically drains the ditch but didn't get a chance to do so after the recent rain, police said.

Authorities said they have not ruled out criminal charges.

Contributing: The Associated Press. Follow Rucks Russell on Twitter: @ruckskhou