Four special needs children died and several others were hospitalised following suspected food poisoning caused by contaminated water at a rehabilitation center in Lucknow, officials said.
The incident occurred on Tuesday evening at the Nirvana Rehabilitation Center on Mohan Road in the Uttar Pradesh capital. Lucknow District Magistrate Vishak G confirmed that the deceased included two girls and two boys, aged between 12 and 17. Their bodies have been sent for post-mortem, and viscera samples will be preserved for further examination.
Dr Rajeev Kumar Dixit, Medical Superintendent of Lok Bandhu Raj Narayan Combined Hospital, stated that around 20 children from the center were brought to the hospital, suffering from severe dehydration. “All these children are mentally challenged. Despite our best efforts, two of them succumbed,” he said. Two critically ill children were referred to another government hospital, while the condition of the remaining 16 has improved.
Health officials revealed that more than 15 children suffered from diarrhea and vomiting after consuming contaminated water. Two of the deceased children have been identified as Renu and Deepa. A medical team has been sent to the shelter home to monitor the health of the remaining residents.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the illness, with a post-mortem examination planned to determine the exact reason for the deaths.
The Lucknow DM stated that Nirvana Rehabilitation Center operates under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. A team under the supervision of the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) has been deployed to the facility. Preliminary findings suggest that consumption of contaminated water led to the illness.
In response, officials have ordered immediate arrangements for safe drinking water at the center and a thorough cleaning of the water tank. The CMO has been instructed to ensure that all children receive medical examinations and the best possible healthcare facilities.
CMO Dr NB Singh confirmed that a health department team has examined 70 children at the rehabilitation center. Those in serious condition have been transferred to Lok Bandhu Hospital, where they remain under observation.
