Latur Tragedy: 8-Month-Old Infant Dies of Suspected Heatstroke, Probe Underway

Latur: The temperatures rising across the country, concerns over heatstroke have intensified amid the ongoing heatwave. In a tragic incident, an 8-month-and-9-day-old infant reportedly died due to heatstroke on April 19 in Gondri village of Ausa taluka. Following preliminary reports, a team from the Taluka Health Department visited the village on Saturday to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death.

The deceased infant has been identified as Shiya Netaji Gore from Tupdi village in Nilanga Taluka. Her mother had come to her maternal home in Gondri for her confinement. The infant had been unwell for several days and was undergoing treatment at a private hospital. As the maternal home is constructed with corrugated metal sheets, the heat inside the house became intense; consequently, on the afternoon of April 19, the infant who was sleeping in a cradle failed to wake up. Relatives claim that the infant died due to heatstroke.

Also Read: What Is Heat Stroke? Symptoms, Risks, and How to Stay Safe in Extreme Heat

Upon receiving information about this incident, a taluka-level health team arrived in the village on Saturday. Preliminary information is currently being gathered. Taluka Health Officer Dr. R.S. Devnikar stated that the exact cause of the infant's death will be determined following the medical report. The mercury has soared to the 40-degree mark, causing unbearable heat and physical discomfort. On April 20, Laxman Dadarao Bhandare (60) of Aurad Shahajani in Nilanga Taluka collapsed suddenly while working in a field and passed away. This marks the second such incident to occur within a span of one week.