Daily Times

LAYYAH – Death toll on Tuesday risen to 28 in toxic sweetmeats case after two more victims died in the hospital.

One more child and a father of three children died in the hospital and death toll has risen to 28 while the hospital administration has discharged 12 patients declaring them incurable. The incident took place when a resident of Chak 105/TDA, Umar Hayat, had brought confectionery items to celebrate birth of his grandson.

After eating toxic sweets five persons died on the spot while several others fell unconscious. The deceased and fainted persons were rushed to a local hospital for medico legal formalities and treatment. The 25 persons died so far include eight from the same family. The police have registered a case and started investigations.

Meanwhile investigations by special team sent by the government are underway. The 10-member team is led by Punjab Food Authority (PFA) director Ayesha Mumtaz. The government has handed over each of the 21 bereaved family Rs 0.5 million compensation amount.

On the other hand, doctors have declared all the patients critical due to lack of antidote to the pesticide that was mixed with the confection. Reportedly, the pesticide was smuggled from China.