Archive · 19 Nov 2025
UK Toddler Survives Drain Cleaner Tragedy
A 13-month-old baby in the UK drank drain cleaner instead of milk, causing severe burns and a heart attack.
He lost part of his tongue and needs surgery.
Doctors are amazed he survived.
His family is now fundraising for his treatment.
13-month-old baby in UK drank drain cleaner, mistaking it for milk
Suffered heart attack, internal burns, and lost half of his tongue
Spent two months in intensive care, now relies on stomach feeding tube
Doctors call his survival a 'one-in-a-million' outcome
Family raising funds for reconstructive surgery abroad
- Who
- 13-month-old baby Sam Anwar
- What
- Drank drain cleaner, mistaking it for milk
- When
- May this year
- Where
- Birmingham, UK
- Why
- Accidentally drank caustic soda left on the floor
Parents' Perspective
Medical Professionals' Perspective
Cause of Incident
Parents' Perspective
Mother left drain cleaner on the floor while cleaning
Medical Professionals' Perspective
Baby unnoticed followed mother and picked up the bottle
Severity of Injuries
Parents' Perspective
Baby suffered severe internal burns and lost half of his tongue
Medical Professionals' Perspective
One of the most severe cases they had encountered in a child so young
Chances of Survival
Parents' Perspective
Doctors called his survival a 'one-in-a-million' outcome
Medical Professionals' Perspective
Baby's heart stopped for nearly three minutes
- Chemical
- Caustic soda (drain cleaner)
- Hospital
- Birmingham Women's and Children's Hospital
- Duration in ICU
- Two months
- Current age
- 18 months
- Fundraising goal
- Reconstructive surgery abroad