Boy, 2, killed after falling into pot of boiling soup

A hapless toddler died after falling into a large pot of boiling soup in the Philippines.

Kaiden Gallardo, 2, was playing in the kitchen while his mum, Jeanette Gallardo, was cooking food to sell to neighbours in Carles town, Iloilo province, on August 8.

Jeanette set the huge pot of 'batchoy' or pork soup on the floor beside her to make room on the stove.

However, Kaiden accidentally tumbled inside the scalding liquid while running around, scorching him alive.

The youngster was rushed to a hospital with fourth-degree burns.

Speaking through tears, Jeanette told local media: 'I couldn't explain it. I was just preparing food to sell, so that my children have money for their allowance, for their school and food.

'I was cooking batchoy and fried chicken. I lifted the pot so I can cook the chicken. I left it beside me, and my son was playing behind me. Before I knew it, he had fallen inside. I screamed for neighbours to come help me.'

Jeanette hurriedly doused her son with cold water as residents rushed over to take him to the hospital. She added that they had to take a pump boat as their town was located on an island.

Heartbreaking photos showed the extent of the damage, with Kaiden's reddened skin peeling off in places, revealing the burnt flesh underneath.

More pictures showed him lying on a hospital bed while almost his entire body was wrapped in bandages and gauze. He was hooked up to IVs and oxygen machines to help him breathe.

Despite doctor's efforts, the boy died from his severe injuries eight days later on August 14.

Kaiden's uncle, Wilson Dedales, wrote online: 'We can't do anything now that Kaiden has been taken from us. We did everything we could, from finding financial support to asking for prayers. I know that Kaiden fought hard to survive until the end.'