Entrapment Death Prompts Bunk Bed Recall

The U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced the recall of 30,000 metal futon bunk beds manufactured by Big Lots of Columbus, Ohio.

Unlike many recalls that seems to err on the side of extreme caution, this one follows from the death of a child who became entrapped in the bed in March, 2010.

The bunk bed consists of a twin-sized upper bunk and a convertible futon lower bunk. When the futon is lowered from the upright couch position to the flat bed position, a child behind the futon or in the bunk bed ladder area can become entrapped. In the case of one 3-year-old boy, the weight of the metal frame prevented the child from breathing, leading to his death by compression asphyxiation.

It has also been determined that the space between the upper mattress and the railing is too small, such that a child's body could pass through but not his head, creating a further risk of entrapment.

The affected beds were sold exclusively at Big Lots stores between January 2009 and April 2010. They have model number BFB1008 on a label on the upper bunk support rail.

Consumers are advised to stop using the beds immediately. Big Lots is offering a free repair kit that will correct the hazardous design. For more information, see the Big Lots website or the CPSC website.