8 children die in Meghalaya of food poisoning (Lead)

Shillong May 30 (IANS) Eight children in Meghalaya s Ri-Bhoi district have died of suspected food poisoning while nearly 100 others were hospitalised an official said on Tuesday.

The children died after consuming pork at a church gathering on Sunday at Nongkya village Ri-Bhoi District Magistrate Chinmay P. Gotmare told IANS. Three persons died on Monday and another five died on Tuesday morning in hospital he said.

Gotmare said he had ordered a magisterial inquiry headed by D. Kharsati to ascertain what caused the deaths. Villagers claimed eating pork led to the tragedy.

He said a post mortem will be conducted to ascertain the cause of the deaths.

Health authorities have sent the food samples for test at a food laboratory in Assam main city of Guwahati.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Roshan Warjri visited the victims of food poisoning in hospital.

I have directed the health officials to provide all necessary medical assistance to the victims Warjri said.

--IANS
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