7-Month-Old Dies After Accidentally Swallowing Hibiscus Flower In Karnataka

Last Updated:March 30, 2026, 14:21 IST

In a matter of moments, the child put the flower into his mouth while playing. The soft petals and base of the flower were inhaled and stuck in throat.

A quiet afternoon in a village near Hunsur turned into an unimaginable tragedy, after an ordinary moment at home ended in the loss of a seven-month-old infant. The incident occurred in Dodda Hejjur village in Hunsur taluk of Mysuru district, Karnataka.

The infant, Chinmay Gowda, was playing at home when he accidentally picked up a hibiscus flower that had been placed on the doorstep pedestal after a pooja.

In a matter of moments, the child put the flower into his mouth while playing. The soft petals and base of the flower were inhaled and passed through the throat, stuck in the respiratory tract. Within seconds, Chinmay began to struggle to breathe, alerting his parents, Sudarshan and Navya.

Race Against Time

Noticing the breathing difficulty, the parents immediately tried to intervene. As the situation worsened, they rushed Chinmay to the nearest hospital.

However, despite their efforts, the infant did not survive the journey. Doctors at the hospital declared him brought dead, stating that the cause of death was respiratory failure caused by airway obstruction due to a foreign object.

The incident has left Dodda Hejjur in deep shock. What began as a normal day turned tragic within minutes, leaving the family devastated. Residents described the incident as a painful reminder of how quickly accidents can occur, even in familiar and seemingly safe environments.

Doctors Issue Safety Advisory

Following the incident, medical experts have urged parents to exercise extreme caution around infants, especially those between six and twelve months of age. Doctors say children in this age group tend to explore objects by putting them in their mouths, increasing the risk of choking or aspiration.

Parents have been advised to keep small objects, including flowers, seeds, coins and buttons, out of reach. Experts also stress the need for constant supervision, even during play.

Need for Awareness

Doctors are also encouraging parents to learn basic first aid techniques for choking, such as back blows and chest thrusts. Immediate action in such situations can be critical.

The incident serves as a stark reminder that even every day and natural objects can pose serious risks. Health officials say awareness and simple precautions can help prevent such tragedies.

The loss in Hunsur has left behind a grieving family and a community reflecting on the importance of vigilance when it comes to infant safety.

Reported By: Anand, News18 Kannada, Mysuru

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