A four-year-old boy in Odisha’s Kandhamal district died after accidentally swallowing a toy inside a packet of chips.
The tragic incident occurred in Musumaha Pada near Shikaramaha village under Brahmanigaon police limits. The child, identified as Bigil Pradhan, was the son of Ranjit Pradhan.
Family members said Bigil’s father had brought him a packet of chips as usual. While playing with a toy gun that came inside the packet, the boy accidentally swallowed it. The toy lodged in his throat, and he struggled to breathe.
His parents attempted to remove the toy but failed. They rushed him to the Daringbadi Community Health Centre, nearly 30 kilometres away. Doctors declared him dead on arrival.
Dr Jakesh Samantaray, in charge of the health centre, confirmed that the toy blocked the child’s airway. He explained that the boy’s father informed them about the toy inside the chips packet, which led to the fatal obstruction.
The incident shocked the local community. Residents mourned the sudden loss, and a pall of gloom descended on the area.
The case highlights concerns about toys packaged with food items and the risks they pose to children. Authorities may face calls to review safety standards to prevent similar tragedies.
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