A 49-year-old man, Suresh, tragically died in Kerala’s Walayar after choking on idlis during an eating contest held as part of the Onam 2024 celebrations. The event, organized by a local club, turned fatal despite bystanders’ quick attempts to remove the food blocking his airway.
Man Dies During Eating Contest
A 49-year-old man named Suresh tragically lost his life in Walayar, Kerala, after choking on idlis during an eating contest organized for the Onam 2024 celebrations. Despite efforts by bystanders to clear his airway and rush him to a nearby hospital, he passed away shortly after the incident. The Walayar Police have filed a case of unnatural death.
An eyewitness shared with the New Indian Express that the contest involved four participants and around 60 spectators. The rules required contestants to eat plain idlis without any side dishes. While most participants began by eating one idli at a time, Suresh attempted to eat three at once. Within a minute, he showed signs of discomfort and began choking before collapsing. Despite being rushed to a nearby clinic and then to a private hospital, doctors declared him dead.
Amid the Onam festivities in Alamaram, where locals were enjoying various games and contests, Suresh — a lorry driver who lived with his mother — unexpectedly collapsed around midday, leaving the community in shock. P. B. Gireesh, the panchayat member of Pudur ward, noted that Suresh was well-known for his active involvement in the community.
Choking Can Turn Fatal
Choking can turn fatal if the airway becomes completely blocked, preventing oxygen from reaching the lungs. Without immediate intervention, such as the Heimlich maneuver or other life-saving techniques, the lack of oxygen can lead to brain damage or death within minutes. Choking can be especially dangerous if the object, such as food, gets lodged in the windpipe and isn’t quickly dislodged. Food is one of the most common causes of choking, especially when large pieces are swallowed without proper chewing. In some cases, individuals may panic and inhale sharply. The risk of fatal choking is also high.
In cases like Suresh’s, rapid medical attention is crucial, but even then, time is critical.
Cover image credits: Canva(representational)
First Published: September 15, 2024 6:15 PM