Tragedy struck a government-run rehabilitation centre for children in the Para area of Lucknow, as two children died and several others fell ill, allegedly due to food poisoning, officials confirmed on Wednesday.
On Tuesday evening, approximately 20 children with special needs residing at the facility experienced sudden illness and were rushed to Lok Bandhu Raj Narayan Combined Hospital.
"Around 20 children were brought to the hospital Tuesday evening from the rehabilitation centre. All these children are mentally challenged. They were severely dehydrated when they arrived. Despite our best efforts, two children died," said Dr Rajeev Kumar Dixit, Medical Superintendent of Lok Bandhu Raj Narayan Combined Hospital, said on Thursday.
Two critically ill children were referred to another government hospital, while the condition of the remaining 16 has since stabilised, he added.
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The distressing incident has prompted a probe by local authorities.
The Lucknow District Magistrate has constituted a committee to ascertain the cause of the suspected food poisoning.
Additionally, officials from the Health Department and Food Safety Department visited the hospital to interview the affected children.
"Officials of the Health Department and Food Safety Department reached the hospital. These officials have also questioned the children admitted," a government official stated.
Food samples have been collected from the rehabilitation centre and sent for analysis.
"A team of the Health Department and Food Safety Department reached the rehab centre and took food samples. Action will be taken based on the investigation report," an official source disclosed.
According to District Probation Officer Vikas Singh, the centre accommodates 147 children, primarily orphans and those with mental challenges.
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