Three die, nine hospitalised after consuming toxic food in Chilas

GILGIT: At least three members of the same family lost their lives, while nine others were hospitalised after consuming toxic food during Iftar dinner in a remote village of Chilas, located in the Diamer district of Gilgit-Baltistan, on Monday.

Diamer Superintendent of Police (SP) Sher Khan told HUM News English that the tragic incident occurred on Monday evening in the Thorwali Nullah of Chilas, which is inaccessible by road. He said the affected family belongs to the Gujjar community, which primarily engages in grazing livestock for local residents.

SP Sher Khan said the condition of the family members deteriorated after consuming beans that were possibly contaminated with poison during Iftar. He suggested that the poisoning might have been caused by a toxic herb locally known as “Bish”.

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“We are investigating the incident to determine the exact cause of poisoning. It is unclear whether someone intentionally added the poison to the food or if the family mistakenly used the toxic substance while preparing the meal,” he added.

While talking to HUM News English, Medical Superintendent at Reginal Headquarters Hospital Chilas Dr Inamullah Khan said 10 people were brought to the hospital in serious condition with symptoms of food poisoning. Among them, he said, an elderly man died shortly after arrival, while one child died on the spot and another succumbed to poisoning while being transported to the hospital.

Dr Khan said the condition of the hospitalised patients was stable; however, they were placed under intensive observation as their condition could deteriorate at any time.

He suspected that a poisonous herb might have caused the incident. “Based on clinical analysis and symptoms, we suspect that digitalis could be a possible cause. However, we have collected samples, and a definitive conclusion will only be drawn after laboratory results are available,” he added.