Ikea issues safety alert after falling drawers kill two children
Ikea has been forced recall 27 million chests and dressers following a warning from safety watchdogs after two children in the US were killed.
The US consumer product safety commission said consumers should stop using Ikea’s ‘Malm’ wardrobes and chests of drawers around children unless they are secured to a wall.
“The chests and dressers can pose a tip-over hazard if not securely anchored to the wall,” the safety commission said.
Beyond the recall the Swedish furniture giant is offering a free kit to consumers who purchased furniture items above specific heights, including the Malm chests.
In 2014 two boys were killed after Malm chests of drawers, which had not been secured to a wall, tipped and fell onto them. In total the safety commission and Ikea have noted 14 reports of Malm chests tipping over, resulting in four injuries.
A statement from Ikea’s US commercial manager Patty Lobell said the retailer was “deeply saddened” by the deaths and hoped to “prevent further tragedies”.