A man from Gatsibo District, in Kiziguro Sector, died after choking on a piece of meat, leading to suffocation.

The incident happened on January 1, 2025, in Ubutatu Village, Agakomey Cell, Kiziguro Sector, Gatsibo District.

Residents who witnessed the incident said the man was attending a baptism party where food was served. While eating, he swallowed a piece of meat that got stuck in his throat, causing him to choke and collapse on the spot over difficulty in breathing.

One witness said, “We were at a celebration, and he tried to swallow a piece of meat. He started choking, and as we looked for help, he died. I believe he died because he tried to swallow the whole meat.”

The Executive Secretary of Kiziguro Sector, Kanamugire Innocent, confirmed the death, stating that the man suffocated after swallowing a piece of meat that lodged in his throat trying to swallow it.

“He attended a baptism ceremony where food where he served with food. While eating the meat, he started choking. An ambulance was called, but by the time it arrived, he had already died,” Kanamugire said.

He added that the incident was accidental, as the man was served food like everyone else at the event.

Kanamugire also said the deceased was buried on Sunday, January 4, after autopsy.