A farming family in Donghai County, Lianyungang, Jiangsu Province, is grappling with a devastating loss after a common pest control product turned fatal.

According to a report from a farmer surnamed Ge on September 1st, the incident occurred on July 13th when his wife sent their child to a local market to buy a pesticide for protecting their wheat harvest. Upon opening the package, she discovered it contained aluminum phosphide tablets and proceeded to use them, unaware that the chemical produces highly toxic phosphine gas when it reacts with moisture.

The exposure poisoned all three children and the mother. Tragically, the youngest daughter, a 7-year-old girl referred to as Momo, fell critically ill and passed away on July 18th despite emergency treatment. The eldest daughter remains hospitalized and is still receiving medical care.

Police intervention followed the incident, with a forensic identification report from Donghai County Public Security Bureau confirming that Momo's death was caused by phosphine gas poisoning. Mr. Ge revealed that medical expenses for his eldest daughter's treatment have already reached 300,000 to 400,000 yuan.

The village committee has verified the incident, and authorities have taken the individuals suspected of illegally selling the aluminum phosphide into custody. It is worth noting that aluminum phosphide is classified as a highly toxic pesticide, and China's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs has explicitly prohibited its retail sale to ordinary individuals since March 1, 2025.