4 children dead, 20 hospitalised after suspected food poisoning at Lucknow rehab centre

A suspected case of food poisoning at a government-run rehabilitation centre in Lucknow has resulted in the deaths of four children, while 20 others were rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment. The tragic incident unfolded on Tuesday evening, prompting immediate medical attention at Lok Bandhu Hospital. The deceased include two boys and two girls, all aged between 12 and 17 years.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the poisoning. Lucknow District Magistrate Vishak G. Iyer confirmed that food samples from the rehabilitation centre have been collected for analysis. The Health Department and Food Safety Department officials have questioned the affected children and are working to determine whether food contamination was responsible for their sudden illness.

Following the tragedy, political reactions poured in, with Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav sharply criticizing the BJP-led Uttar Pradesh government. He took to social media, posting on X (formerly Twitter), “In eight years of BJP rule, the series of children’s deaths that began in Gorakhpur has not stopped to this day. This is a sign of a failed government.”

Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Health Minister Brajesh Pathak confirmed the incident was due to food poisoning, stating, “We are closely monitoring the situation. The children are stable, and there is no cause for concern.” However, concerns remain over the safety measures at the rehabilitation centre, which houses 147 children, many of whom require special care and medical attention.

The post-mortem of the deceased children is being conducted, and their viscera will be preserved for further examination. Officials are under pressure to identify lapses in food safety and prevent similar tragedies in the future. Strict action is expected based on the findings of the ongoing investigation.

This heartbreaking incident has once again put the quality of food and healthcare in government-run institutions under scrutiny. Families of the affected children await answers, while authorities scramble to address the crisis and ensure better monitoring of food safety standards in such vulnerable institutions.