Bhadrak, Nov. 29: A middle-aged couple attempted suicide by taking poison moments after their only child lost his battle against cancer last evening.

Damodar Panda, 40, died at the district headquarters hospital here late last night, while his wife Rinarani, 32, is in a critical condition. The incident took place in Pandapatna village within the limits of Dhusuri police station. A villager said the couple was depressed ever since they found out that their 10-year-old son Biswajit was suffering from cancer.

“He had a tumourous growth in his leg and after conducting a series of tests, he was diagnosed with cancer. Though Damodar was not financially sound, he made all efforts for his son’s treatment and used to take him to Cuttack regularly for expert medical help,” said Harihar Sahu, a villager. However, Biswajit’s condition gradually deteriorated and he breathed his last yesterday.

“Initially, they were unable to accept the news. But when they realised that they had lost their son, they took the drastic step to end their life,” Sahu said. They were rushed to the district headquarters hospital after preliminary treatment at the local health centre. Chief district medical officer Harihar Dash said: “The couple were admitted here in a critical state. They had consumed pesticides. Within hours of treatment, the boy’s father died, while his wife is battling for life now.”