A federal safety investigation is underway following the death of a third child linked to an IKEA dresser tipping over. Such heartbreaking incidents are tragically common, with data from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission revealing that a child dies every two weeks in the United States due to furniture or appliance toppling accidents. Furthermore, a child is injured by falling furniture every 24 minutes in the country.
Little Oliver Darnell, just 22 months old, was fatally trapped beneath an IKEA dresser in his home in Maplewood, Minnesota, on February 14. According to the family’s attorney, Mark Johnson, the parents were unaware of the dresser’s fall, believing their son was peacefully asleep. They are now pursuing legal action against IKEA, claiming the company failed to provide adequate warnings regarding the risks associated with their furniture.
The CPSC is currently investigating Oliver’s death as part of a wider inquiry into IKEA’s dressers and chests, which have been linked to multiple fatalities in recent years. In response to these tragic events, IKEA had previously initiated a repair program affecting approximately 27 million units, highlighting the dangers of unsecured furniture. CPSC spokesperson Laura Green noted that Oliver’s death was a “tragic tip-over fatality,” but specific details remain undisclosed due to legal restrictions.
IKEA has acknowledged three additional deaths associated with their dressers since 1989 and urges consumers to properly secure these items to walls. The company has distributed over 300,000 sets of anchoring hardware following earlier recalls. IKEA’s representative, Sarah Mitchell, emphasized the importance of using the included hardware for safety, though advocates argue that many consumers remain unaware of the risks posed by unsecured furniture.
This issue extends beyond IKEA products, reflecting a broader concern regarding furniture safety in American households. With a child losing their life every two weeks due to falling furniture, the hope is that the devastating loss of the Darnell family will catalyze increased awareness and preventive measures.
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Summary
A third child, Oliver Darnell, has tragically died after an IKEA dresser tipped over, prompting an investigation by federal safety regulators. This incident underscores a significant safety issue with unsecured furniture in homes, where children are frequently injured or killed. As families seek justice and awareness grows, it is crucial to ensure that all furniture is properly anchored to prevent further tragedies.