Bhubaneswar: A tragic incident was reported from Khurda district on Friday after a six-year-old boy died from choking, allegedly caused by a balloon found inside a packet of chips.
The incident occurred at Nidhipur village of Haja panchayat under Begunia block in Khurda district. The deceased has been identified as Tapas Paikaray, son of Abhaya Paikaray, a resident of the village.
According to reports, Tapas was eating chips at his home on Friday morning when he discovered a small balloon inside the packet. While attempting to inflate the balloon by blowing air into it, the balloon reportedly burst and was accidentally swallowed by the child.
The balloon got lodged in his throat, causing severe breathing distress. Family members immediately rushed the child to a nearby hospital, where doctors attempted to remove the balloon but were unsuccessful.
As his condition deteriorated, the boy was referred to the Khurda District Headquarters Hospital (DHH). However, doctors at the DHH declared him dead on arrival.
The incident has left the family and villagers in deep shock and has raised serious concerns over unsafe objects allegedly being found inside packaged food items, particularly those consumed by children.
