Five Children Die After Drinking Water from Pesticide Bottle in Ghotki
A tragic incident in Ghotki District has claimed the lives of five children after they reportedly drank water from an empty pesticide bottle, underscoring the serious risks associated with unsafe disposal of agricultural chemicals in rural areas.
The incident occurred in the village of Arif Chajjar in the town of Sarhad, where the children allegedly found a discarded pesticide container and used it to drink water while returning home from school.
According to reports, 10-year-old Waqar Ahmed and 9-year-old Ayaz Ahmed died on the first day after falling seriously ill. Two more children, seven-year-old Allaudin and five-year-old Waseem, passed away the following day. Ayaz, Allaudin, and Waseem were brothers.
Health officials say pesticide residues can remain highly toxic even in empty containers, posing life-threatening risks if ingested. The tragedy has once again raised concerns over:
- Improper disposal of agricultural chemicals
- Lack of awareness in rural communities
- Limited access to emergency medical facilities
- Need for stricter regulation and public safety campaigns
Experts stress that pesticide containers should never be reused for storing food or water and must be disposed of according to safety guidelines. Proper labeling, community education, and enforcement of environmental regulations are critical to preventing similar incidents.
Authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the case, while calls grow for stronger awareness campaigns to protect children in farming communities.
