A tragic incident has been reported from Chhattisgarh's Janjgir-Champa district where a 15-year-old boy died and three other children fell critically ill after consuming watermelon. The incident occurred on Wednesday in a village under the jurisdiction of the local police station.
Incident Details
According to officials, the children ate watermelon purchased from a local vendor. Shortly after consumption, they began experiencing severe symptoms including vomiting, stomach pain, and dizziness. They were rushed to a nearby community health center where the 15-year-old was declared dead on arrival. The condition of the other three children is stated to be stable, and they are undergoing treatment.
Possible Cause
Preliminary investigations suggest that the watermelon might have been contaminated with pesticides or other harmful chemicals. The district administration has sent samples of the fruit for laboratory analysis to ascertain the exact cause of the poisoning. The local police have registered a case and are questioning the vendor.
Authorities have urged residents to exercise caution while purchasing fruits and vegetables from unverified sources. They also advised washing fruits thoroughly before consumption. The incident has sparked concerns over food safety in the region.
Further details are awaited as the investigation progresses.
