Father dies after shielding son from wasp attack

In an attempt to save the child, Nishantha removed his shirt and wrapped it around the boy, fully exposing himself to the swarm 

By B.G,Chaturanga   

A 51-year-old father from Iluppukanniya, Mihintale, died after bravely shielding his son from a swarm of wasps, yesterday morning, hospital sources said.  

Accordingly, the victim, Jagath Nishantha, rushed outside the house when he saw his 11-year-old son being attacked by wasps while playing in the garden. In an attempt to save the child, Nishantha removed his shirt and wrapped it around the boy, fully exposing himself to the swarm.  

He suffered severe injuries from multiple stings and was rushed to Mihintale Hospital, where he died upon admission. The child, who also sustained injuries, was later transferred from Mihintale Hospital to the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital for further treatment.  

Investigations have revealed that Nishantha’s wife is employed abroad, and he had been living alone with his son at the time of the tragedy.