Bhubaneswar, Nov 21: In a tragic and alarming incident, three children from Shalabani village in Nilagiri block of Balasore district were hospitalised after accidentally consuming Thimet, a highly toxic agricultural insecticide, mistaking it for salt. The incident occurred on Thursday while the children were playing, but the matter came to light only after their health suddenly deteriorated and they were rushed to medical care.

The affected children have been identified as Yuvraj Singh (8), son of Babula Singh; Indurekha Singh (5), daughter of Akshay Singh; and Ghanashyam Singh (4), son of Ramesh Singh. According to reports, the trio were engaged in a mud-kitchen game using coconut shells. During their pretend cooking, they mistakenly used Thimet—kept nearby for agricultural purposes—thinking it was salt. The children mixed the toxic substance with chopped onions and unknowingly consumed it.

At the time of the incident, the parents of the children were in the fields harvesting paddy. On returning home, they found the kids vomiting and complaining of severe discomfort. The three were immediately taken to Nilgiri Sub-Divisional Hospital. As Yuvraj’s condition turned critical, he was shifted to Remuna Medical College and later referred to SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack, for advanced treatment.

Ghanashyam and Indurekha are currently under observation at Remuna Medical College, and their condition is being monitored closely. The shocking episode has raised serious concern in the village regarding the safe storage of pesticides in households.

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