Girl, 3, dies after drinking caustic soda she thought was fruit juice

Elisa da Silva Marques died 10 days after she was admitted to hospital

A tragic incident has resulted in the death of a three-year-old girl who mistakenly consumed caustic soda, thinking it was fruit juice. Elisa da Silva Marques was reportedly staying at her cousin’s residence in São Manuel, Brazil, at the time of the unfortunate event.

Immediately after ingesting the drain cleaner on March 16, Elisa fell ill and was promptly taken to the hospital. Despite receiving treatment for 10 days, she succumbed to the effects of the poisoning and passed away on March 26. Authorities have initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Elisa’s death.

Caustic soda, also known as sodium hydroxide or lye, is a highly corrosive substance commonly used in industries such as paper and soap manufacturing. It is also frequently employed in households for drain cleaning purposes.

Caustic soda can be found in flakes or as a liquid

However, its ingestion or contact with skin or eyes can lead to severe chemical burns due to its potent nature.

This tragic incident highlights the critical importance of proper handling and storage of hazardous substances.

In a related incident, a London nightclub, Tiger Tiger, faced a fine of £120,000 after inadvertently serving caustic soda instead of salt with tequila shots to customers. The bartender's mistake occurred in an unlit storage room while refilling salt, leading to patrons experiencing burning sensations, illness, and vomiting.

Westminster City Council's deputy leader, Aicha Less, emphasized the significance of adhering to safety protocols when dealing with toxic chemicals. Neglecting basic safety measures can have grave consequences, as evidenced by these distressing incidents.