Moscow mystery mass poisoning leaves three dead and over 40 hospitalised | World | News
Three people have died and more than 40 have been hospitalized following a mysterious mass poisoning in Moscow. The incident at a nursing home in the town of Vidnoye triggered a major investigation, with authorities seizing food, kitchen equipment and various samples for analysis.
Russia’s Investigative Committee launched a criminal investigation out of concern that the death toll could increase further. Reports suggest that the unnamed care home housed 73 residents at the time of the incident, with 55 initially examined at the scene. According to Russian publication Life Ru, forensic experts are currently examining the possibilities of the house.
While the nursing home’s paperwork is being collected, interviews are being held with staff, management and residents.
It is understood residents first began showing symptoms of the disease between December 18 and 19, but paramedics were allegedly not called immediately as staff tried to treat those who fell ill.
The Main Investigative Directorate of the Investigative Committee of Russia for the Moscow Region said: “Investigative activities are continuing in the Moscow Region within the scope of the criminal investigation into the poisoning of boarding house guests.
“The investigative bodies of the Main Investigative Directorate of the Investigative Committee of the Moscow Region of Russia continue their investigation into the mass poisoning of hostel guests in the city of Vidnoye (Article “c” of Part 2 of Article 238 of the Russian Criminal Code).
“It was determined that 73 people were staying in the hostel. More than 40 people were hospitalized to varying degrees and 3 of them died.
“Investigators and forensic experts from Russia’s regional Investigative Committee inspected the hostel, seized necessary documents and collected food samples and utensils.
“Representatives from Rospotrebnadzor (Federal Surveillance Service for the Protection of Consumer Rights and Human Welfare) collected food samples, which were assigned for further testing.
“Investigations are currently being conducted with the institution’s management, as well as with citizens, to identify the reasons and circumstances that contributed to the commission of the crime.”
