Three Children Hospitalised in Balasore After Consuming Insecticide Mistaken for Salt

Balasore: In a shocking incident, three children from Shalabani village in Nilagiri block of Balasore district were hospitalised after accidentally consuming Thimet, a highly toxic agricultural insecticide.

The victims — Yuvraj Singh (8), Indurekha Singh (5), and Ghanashyam Singh (4) — were playing a mud‑kitchen game using coconut shells when they mistook the chemical for salt.

They mixed it with chopped onions and consumed it, unaware of the danger.

Family members, who were away harvesting paddy, rushed the children to Nilgiri Sub‑Divisional Hospital after noticing their deteriorating condition.

Yuvraj’s health worsened, prompting doctors to refer him first to Remuna Medical College and later to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack.

Indurekha and Ghanashyam remain under treatment at Remuna Medical College, with doctors closely monitoring their progress.

The incident has sparked concern in the local community, with villagers stressing the urgent need for safe storage of agricultural chemicals.

Health officials have assured that the children are receiving proper medical care and highlighted the importance of keeping toxic substances away from households to safeguard children.