A 49-year-old man named Suresh tragically lost his life in Walayar on Saturday after choking on idlis during a local Onam celebration eating contest. According to police reports, the competition was organized by a local club. Despite efforts by onlookers to remove the idlis from his throat, Suresh was pronounced dead upon arrival at a nearby hospital.
Witnesses revealed that the contest, which drew around 60 spectators, involved participants eating plain idlis without any accompaniments. While most participants ate one idli at a time, Suresh attempted to consume three idlis simultaneously. Shortly after, he began to feel unwell and choked, collapsing soon thereafter. Emergency efforts included a rushed trip to a local clinic and then to a private hospital, but doctors declared him deceased upon arrival.
P B Gireesh, a local panchayat member from Pudur ward, expressed his shock at the incident. He noted that Suresh, a truck driver who lived with his mother, was an active community member involved in various Onam festivities. Gireesh described the scene, saying that the tragedy occurred amidst a series of local games and contests held for the festival.
This incident echoes similar past cases where choking occurred due to improper food consumption. For instance, a previous case highlighted the importance of soaking chia seeds before eating them. Dr. Sermed Mezher emphasized that chia seeds should be hydrated for 20-30 minutes to prevent choking, ensuring they are safe for ingestion.
The Walayar Police have registered a case for unnatural death. The authorities are investigating the incident to ensure such tragic occurrences are prevented in future events.
