Boy Dies After Choking on Bubble Tea While Playing on Trampoline

Parents Seek Compensation

Boy Dies After Choking on Bubble Tea While Playing on Trampoline; Parents Seek Compensation

A tragic incident involving a young boy who allegedly choked to death on tapioca pearls from a popular bubble tea drink has sparked a wave of public concern and online debate in China.

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Incident at a Playground in Taizhou

The fatal accident occurred on October 19 at Baolong Plaza in Duqiao Town, Taizhou, Zhejiang Province. A young boy reportedly consumed bubble tea from a well-known brand before playing on a trampoline at a nearby indoor amusement park. Surveillance footage posted by netizens shows the child collapsing shortly after play began.

At 3:49 PM, two children were seen playing and chasing each other in the trampoline area. By 3:51 PM, the boy in green clothing suddenly sat down, struggled to get up, and staggered behind a play structure. Moments later, he collapsed. Another child ran to check on him and alerted nearby adults. Within seconds, two women appeared, picked up the unconscious boy, and ran out of the frame.

A user who posted the video claimed the child choked on a tapioca pearl from the bubble tea, urging parents to avoid giving such drinks to young children.

Parents Question Suitability of Bubble Tea for Children

A man identifying himself as the boy's father shared several posts online. In his profile, he wrote: "My child was born in June 2022 and passed away on October 19, 2025, due to bubble tea choking. Location: Baolong Plaza, 3rd-floor amusement park."

One video shows him turning a cup of bubble tea upside down, with the pearls stuck inside. "With such strong stickiness, are these pearls really suitable for children?" he asked.

Some users suggested that tapioca pearls, made of starch, can become excessively sticky and difficult to swallow when stored for long periods.

Family Alleges Lack of Warnings and Emergency Response

The family claims several parties share responsibility: the bubble tea shop for not warning about choking hazards, the amusement park for allowing food inside, and the mall for lacking emergency procedures.

According to the mother, she bought the drink via a mini-program and received no warning about the pearls. The child drank it while playing and soon showed signs of distress. She tried the Heimlich maneuver and sought help, but staff reportedly lacked first-aid skills.

The boy was rushed to the hospital but could not be saved after over an hour of emergency treatment.

Mall and Authorities Respond

A spokesperson from Baolong Plaza confirmed that both the local government and police have launched an investigation. Surveillance footage has been handed over to authorities. Specific progress in the case remains undisclosed.

The bubble tea store's online ordering page does include a standard disclaimer: "Caution: Contains small ingredients. Do not gulp. Not suitable for children under 3. Children and elderly should consume under supervision."

A staff member at the implicated store told reporters the issue is currently being handled by the company.

The tragedy has sparked a heated debate online. A large number of netizens voiced support for the bubble tea shop, arguing it was unfairly blamed.

"Four years old and already drinking bubble tea with large tapioca pearls? That's clearly on the parents," one user commented.

Source: 新闻坊

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