By Frank Kamuntu
A tragic incident has unfolded in Namibia, where fifteen members of the same family lost their lives after consuming porridge believed to have been contaminated with toxic substances.
Authorities suspect that the porridge became poisonous when mixed with sediment from homemade beer.
The Namibian Broadcasting Corporation reported that several individuals remain in critical condition and are receiving treatment in the hospital.
The Ministry of Health and Social Services of Namibia issued a statement, revealing that the incident occurred on May 27 in Kayova village, located in the Kavango East region.
A household consisting of eighteen individuals, ranging in age from two to 33, consumed the toxic porridge made from pearl millet mahangu flour mixed with dried and pounded fermented sediment known as mundevere.
Following dinner on Saturday, the victims, who were part of a larger family of 21 in the village, fell ill and were swiftly taken to the hospital.
Sadly, as of Wednesday, fifteen individuals had succumbed to the poisoning, according to police spokesperson Kauna Shikwambi.
Shikwambi emphasized that this incident marked the largest number of suspected deaths resulting from the ingestion of potentially toxic substances.
An investigation has been launched, and authorities are awaiting autopsy and laboratory test results to shed light on the exact cause of the tragedy.
The Ministry of Health and Social Services provided an update on the casualties, stating that seventeen members of the household initially sought medical attention at Nyangana District Hospital in Kavango East.
Due to their critical condition, thirteen individuals were transferred to Rundu Intermediate Hospital.
Regrettably, nine individuals have since passed away, with two deaths occurring at Nyangana District Hospital and seven at Rundu Intermediate Hospital.
At the time of the press release, eight individuals remain hospitalized, with six in critical condition at Rundu Intermediate Hospital and two in stable condition at Nyangana District Hospital.
The ministry also mentioned that additional samples were being collected for testing to determine if alcohol poisoning played a role in this tragic event.
The investigation continues as the community mourns the devastating loss of their loved ones.
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