Pathanamthitta: A four-year-old boy died after a concrete pillar fell on him at the Konni Elephant Centre here on Friday. The deceased Abhiram is a native of Kadambad, Adoor. The incident occurred around 12 pm while the child was visiting the centre with his family.

According to police, the pillar toppled when the child caught hold of it, and began swinging around it as his mother was taking photographs of him. Though he was rushed to the hospital, he succumbed to his injuries. Police have registered a case of unnatural death. The body will be sent for post-mortem examination after the completion of inquest procedures.

An officer of Konni police station said that the mud at the base of that particular pillar had probably washed away in the rains and as the child started swinging around it, it loosened and fell on him, causing severe injuries to his head.

Forest Minister AK Saseendran has asked the forest department to file a report on the incident. He added that strict action would be taken against the officials regarding the lapses in erecting the pillar.