Giridih (Jharkhand) [India], April 27 (HBTV): A festive treat turned tragic in Bajto village as a suspected case of mass food poisoning left one child dead and 18 others hospitalised. Authorities have launched an investigation into a local roadside stall following the incident.
According to Deputy Commissioner Ramniwas Yadav, the incident occurred after villagers consumed golgappa from a local vendor. Soon after, 18 children and two adults began showing symptoms of severe illness.
The victims were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment, but one child succumbed to the illness. The incident has triggered fear in the village, which is already witnessing a rise in heat-related diarrhoea cases.
'One child has died, while others are under treatment in hospitals. Fear spread in the village. Officials said stale food kept for several days may have been the reason,' Yadav said.
Preliminary assessments by local health officials indicate that the vendor may have used ingredients or flavoured water stored for several days without proper refrigeration.
The district is currently experiencing a heatwave, which accelerates food spoilage and has contributed to an increase in gastrointestinal illnesses in the region.
According to relatives, a golgappa vendor had visited the village, after which several children consumed the snack and soon fell ill. Family members reported that those who ate the food began showing symptoms one after another. The affected children were initially treated locally before being shifted to Sadar Hospital when their condition worsened.
The Deputy Commissioner later visited Bajto village to assess the situation.
Speaking to reporters, Yadav said that around 18 children and two adults fell ill after consuming golgappa at a roadside stall. He added that one child has died while others remain under treatment, and that water samples are being tested as part of the ongoing investigation.
Officials stated that stale food is suspected to be the cause, though confirmation will depend on laboratory test results.
(ANI)