Deadly Idli: Man chokes to death in eating contest during Onam 2024 celebrations in Kerala

A 49-year-old man named Suresh died in Walayar in Kerala after choking on idlis during an idli-eating competition organized by a local society to mark the 2024 Onam celebrations.

Passersby tried to help by removing the idli and rushing him to a nearby hospital, but he died soon after. The Walayar police have registered a case of unnatural death.

“The deceased Suresh choked on the idlis while participating in the competition and the spectators tried to save him and somehow managed to get the idlis out,” PTI quoted police as saying.

“Four people participated in the competition, which was attended by around 60 spectators. The competition was to eat plain idli without any side dishes. While the other participants started the competition with one idli, Suresh took three idlis in one go. Within a minute, he felt unwell and gagging and collapsed. We took him first to a nearby clinic and then to a private hospital nearby. However, the doctors there declared him dead,” one of the eyewitnesses told The New Indian Express.

During the Onam celebrations at Alamaram, where locals were enjoying games and competitions, Suresh – who worked as a truck driver and lived with his mother – suddenly collapsed around noon. The incident shocked the community. PB Gireesh, panchayat member of Pudur district, mentioned that Suresh was known for his high activity level.

“The residents of Alamaram were organizing various games and mini competitions for the local people as part of Onam celebrations when this tragic incident occurred. He collapsed around noon. He was working as a truck driver and lived with his mother Kollapura Panchali,” Gireesh told the publication.

A previous incident

A man choked after eating dried chia seeds and then drinking water, causing the seeds to swell in his throat. To prevent such incidents, Dr. Sermed Mezher recommends soaking chia seeds in water or another liquid for about 20 to 30 minutes before consuming them, reported the Hindustan Times.

This allows the seeds to fully hydrate and expand outside the body, ensuring they are safe and provide the maximum health benefits when consumed.