A heartbreaking incident in Odisha has claimed the life of a four-year-old child after he accidentally swallowed a small toy that came inside a chips packet. The tragedy occurred in Musumahapada village in Kandhamal district, raising serious questions about child safety.
The young victim, Bigil Pradhan, received a packet of chips from his father on Tuesday. Inside the packet was a small plastic toy gun given as a promotional gift. While his parents were working nearby, Bigil began playing with the toy.
Moments later, the child cried out in distress. His parents rushed to him and discovered he was choking badly. The toy had become stuck in his throat, blocking his airway. Despite their desperate efforts to remove it, they could not help him breathe.
The family immediately took Bigil to the Community Health Centre in Daringbadi, located about 30 kilometers away. Sadly, doctors declared him dead upon arrival. Medical staff confirmed that the toy had completely blocked the child’s airway, causing his death.
The local doctor stated that the toy from the chips packet had obstructed the boy’s breathing passage, leading to this fatal outcome. The entire village is mourning this devastating loss, with neighbors expressing shock and anger.
This tragic incident has sparked important discussions about safety regulations for toys packaged with food products. Child safety experts have long warned about choking hazards from miniature toys, especially those included with snacks marketed to children.
Many people are now calling for stricter safety guidelines and better enforcement to prevent similar deaths in the future. The incident highlights the urgent need for companies to reconsider including small toys in food packets that children commonly consume.
