Mass Food Poisoning Incident at Coimbatore School Under Investigation
In a distressing incident on Tuesday afternoon, as many as 44 students from a Coimbatore corporation middle school in Kavundampalayam were rushed to the hospital after suffering suspected food poisoning following their school lunch. The situation escalated with allegations that a lizard had fallen into the food served to the children, prompting immediate concern from parents and authorities alike.
Students Experience Severe Symptoms After Lunch
The affected students, primarily from Class IV, began experiencing continuous vomiting shortly after consuming their midday meal. Some of the children even fainted, heightening the urgency of the situation. The group comprised 30 boys and 14 girls, all of whom required medical attention due to the severity of their symptoms.
Forty-three of the students were promptly transported to the Coimbatore Medical College Hospital (CMCH), where a dedicated team of five doctors provided emergency treatment. One student was picked up by their parents before being taken to the hospital, but all were under medical supervision.
Officials Respond and Assure Safety
District collector Pavankumar G Giriyappanavar, corporation commissioner M Sivaguru Prabakaran, and mayor R Ranganayaki visited the students at CMCH to assess their condition. Both the collector and the commissioner confirmed that all the students were in stable condition and their health was no longer at risk, providing some relief to worried families.
Commissioner Prabakaran announced that a special investigation team has been formed to look into the alarming allegation that a lizard contaminated the food. "A detailed inspection will be conducted in the canteen," he stated. "Only after the investigation will it be known whether it was due to the staff's negligence. A circular will be sent to all schools in this regard to prevent such incidents in the future."
Parental Outcry and School Entry Denied
Earlier in the day, as news of the incident spread, concerned parents gathered at the school entrance, demanding answers and access to their children. However, they were allegedly denied entry into the school premises, leading to a heated argument with the school management and local police. This confrontation highlighted the growing tension and frustration among parents over the safety of their children's school meals.
The incident has raised serious questions about food hygiene standards in educational institutions, with authorities now under pressure to ensure such lapses are not repeated. The investigation's findings are eagerly awaited by the community, as they seek accountability and improved safety measures.
