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Baby's Life Hangs in Balance After Drain Cleaner Mistake
18 Nov, 2025
Summary
- Baby Sam suffered severe burns after drinking drain cleaner, mistaking it for milk.
- He experienced a heart attack in the ER and required a permanent feeding tube.
- The toddler's mouth has sealed shut, requiring complex reconstructive surgery.

A tragic accident has left a 13-month-old boy, Sam Anwar Alshameri, fighting for his life after he accidentally drank household drain cleaner. The incident occurred when the toddler, mistaking a bottle of caustic soda for milk, ingested the toxic substance while his mother was cleaning the bathroom.
Sam suffered immediate and severe burns to his lips, mouth, and airway. Doctors fought to save him, and he experienced a heart attack that required resuscitation. He has since spent two months in intensive care, necessitating the insertion of a permanent feeding tube directly into his stomach.
The burns have caused Sam's lips to almost completely seal shut, leaving him unable to eat, drink, or speak. His family is seeking urgent reconstructive surgery, potentially abroad, and has established a GoFundMe to support his medical expenses and ongoing care.