On Tuesday,  at a government rehabilitation center for children in the Para neighborhood of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, at least two children perished and several more were sick, purportedly as a result of food poisoning. After developing an unexpected sickness, some 20 special needs children who were housed in the center were sent to Lokbandhu Hospital.

“On Tuesday night, almost 20 kids were taken from the rehabilitation facility to the hospital. Each of these kids has a mental disability. When they got there, they were very dehydrated. Two children passed away in spite of our best attempts,” Lok Bandhu Raj Narayan Combined Hospital’s medical superintendent, Dr. Rajeev Kumar Dixit, told PTI Videos on Thursday.

The health of the other 16 children has improved, he noted, while two very sick youngsters were sent to another government hospital. Local officials launched an inquiry as a result of the occurrence. A committee has been established by the Lucknow District Magistrate to investigate the suspected food poisoning. To interview the impacted children, representatives from the Food Safety and Health Departments came to the hospital.

“Health and Food Safety Department representatives arrived at the hospital. The youngsters who were hospitalized have also been questioned by these authorities,” a government source told PTI. For examination, food samples have been gathered from the rehabilitation facility.

“A team from the Food Safety and Health Departments arrived to the rehabilitation facility and collected food samples. According to an official source, “action will be taken based on the investigation report.” 147 youngsters, mostly orphans and those with mental disabilities, are housed in the center, according to District Probation Officer Vikas Singh.

“Whether this is the result of food poisoning is hard to determine. The kids were already mentally challenged and unable of taking care of themselves before they came here. At the facility, they probably had caregivers. Some youngsters were discovered to be dehydrated and anemic upon arrival. “We have carried out all required investigations, including blood tests and X-rays,” said Lok Bandhu CMS Rajiv Dixit.