Kochi: A three-year-old boy died after falling into a garbage pit on Friday at the Cochin International Airport in Nedumbassery. The child, part of a group visiting Kerala on a field trip, fell into the pit while they were preparing to return home.

The deceased, identified as Ridhan Jaju, was the son of Rajasthani nationals. The accident occurred at around 12.50 pm in front of the domestic terminal, near the Anna Café garden. The four-foot-deep pit was open at the time. The child remained inside the pit for nearly ten minutes before being found.

The child had gone missing while the family was eating at the café. His parents searched for him inside and outside the café but could not find him. As panic set in, they informed police officers on duty at the airport about their missing child.

While searching, Ridhan’s father noticed the child’s shoes near the garbage pit. Upon closer inspection, he found his son inside and pulled him out. After being pulled out, Rithan vomited, expelling garbage. CPR was administered before he was rushed to a nearby hospital, but doctors confirmed his death. 

Following the accident, the garbage pit was covered with plastic. However, Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL) has not yet responded to the serious lapse in safety that led to the tragedy.