Two children die in Punjab home for mentally challenged

Chandigarh, Aug 2 (IANS) At least two children died and nearly 30 others were rushed to hospital following suspected food poisoning in a home for mentally challenged children in Punjab's Kapurthala town, 175 km from here, officials said on Tuesday.

The victims, in Sukhjit Ashram, a home for mentally challenged children, were aged 14 to 16 years, police sources said. While one died late on Monday night, another child died on Tuesday.

The others were being treated at a civil hospital.

The deaths are suspected due to food poisoning. District officials have collected samples of food items served to the differently abled children on Monday evening.

The children complained of vomiting and stomach ache after having food. However, the management took some time in informing local health officials about the incident due to which medical attention was delayed, the sources said.

Deputy Commissioner Jaskiran Singh said a probe was being conducted into the incident.