TAGBILARAN CITY — A tragic incident claimed the life of a 6-year-old girl, Rain Heart Madrigal, who succumbed to a king cobra bite on Tuesday, December 10, in Barangay Mahayag, Alicia town, Bohol.
According to police reports, Madrigal was retrieving their washed clothes from behind their house when she was bitten by the king cobra, locally known as banakon.
She was rushed to a hospital in Ubay town but was pronounced dead on arrival.
The girl’s relatives managed to locate and kill the snake to prevent it from endangering others in the community.
Health experts emphasize the critical importance of timely medical treatment following snake bites, as delays can result in severe complications or death.
The king cobra is among the most venomous snakes in the world, capable of delivering enough neurotoxin in a single bite to kill 20 people or even an elephant, according to National Geographic.
Although its venom is not the most potent, its effects can cause respiratory arrest and cardiac failure.
Authorities continue to remind communities to remain vigilant, especially in areas where venomous snakes are common.