A one-year-old boy died on Sunday night after accidentally swallowing a small stone while playing outside his home in Malappuram district, hospital officials confirmed on Monday.
The deceased child has been identified as Aslam Nooh, son of Mahroof and Rumana, residents of the Thekkumuri area in Changaramkulam.
Incident occurred at home courtyard
According to hospital authorities, the toddler was playing in the courtyard of his residence on Sunday evening when he reportedly picked up a small stone and swallowed it. Soon after, the object became lodged in his throat, triggering severe breathing difficulty.
Family members immediately noticed the distress and rushed the child to a medical facility in Changaramkulam for emergency treatment.
Shifted for specialised treatment
Due to the seriousness of his condition, the child was later referred to a private hospital in Kottakkal for specialised care. Despite sustained medical intervention, doctors were unable to save him, and he succumbed late on Sunday night.
Medical staff stated that acute respiratory distress caused by choking led to the child’s death.
Police say no formal case registered
Local police from the Changaramkulam station said no formal case has been registered in connection with the incident. Officials cited the victim’s age and a preliminary inquiry that confirmed the cause of death as accidental choking.
The child’s body was handed over to the family following hospital procedures.
Funeral scheduled on Monday
Family members said funeral prayers and burial were scheduled to be held on Monday at a local mosque in the area. The incident has left the family and local community deeply shaken.
Doctors and child safety experts have once again urged parents and caregivers to closely monitor toddlers during playtime, especially in open areas where small objects can pose serious choking hazards.