Police officers storm house where three people died after eating poisonous mushroom meal in Victoria’s Gippsland
Police officers storm house where three people died after eating poisonous mushroom meal in Victoria’s Gippsland
- Three killed after eating wild mushrooms
- Victoria Police have launched an investigation
- A home in Leongatha was raided on Saturday
Police have searched the house where three people died after eating poisonous wild mushrooms.
Ian Wilkinson and Heather Wilkinson, along with Ms Wilkinson’s sister and brother-in-law, Gail and Don Patterson, fell ill after eating a meal at the property in Leongatha, Victoria’s Gippsland region, on July 29.
All four went to hospital the next day as their condition deteriorated drastically.
The two sisters, aged 70 and 66, died on Friday, while Mr Patterson, 70, died Saturday night.
Mr Wilkinson, 68, remains in critical condition at Alfred Hospital.
Ian Wilkinson and Heather Wilkinson (both pictured), along with Mrs. Wilkinson’s sister and brother-in-law, Gail and Don Patterson, became seriously ill after eating wild mushrooms. Ms Wilkinson died on Friday while her husband is in critical condition in hospital
A major murder investigation has now been launched to determine what happened.
A local woman, 48, was questioned by Victoria police on Sunday but was later released pending further inquiries.
Investigators say it is not yet known if the case is suspicious as detectives were still trying to establish the circumstances surrounding the case.
“The investigation into the incident is ongoing and the police will contact the Ministry of Health,” said a police spokesman.
A spokesman for the Ministry of Health confirmed that the department was assisting police in their investigation.
“The Ministry is aware of the situation and our investigation is ongoing,” he said.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the patient’s family for their loss.”
It is clear that the group’s meal contained mushrooms that were poisonous, but it is not yet known what kind of mushroom they ingested
The Wilkinson and Patterson families issued a statement on Sunday about the tragedy.
βThe past week has been a time of shock and sadness for all of us,β the local paper said. South Gippsland Sentinel-Times.
“They were parents, grandparents, siblings, children and pillars of faith in our community.”
“Their love, steadfast faith and selfless service have left an indelible mark on our families, the Korumburra Baptist Church, the local community and even people around the world.”
“Our families will assist the appropriate authorities in any way they can and respect all necessary processes in the midst of this tragedy.”
Churchgoers prayed for the group on Sunday during a morning service at the local Baptist church in Korumburra, where Mr. Wilkinson is the pastor.
The news comes after Victoria Health warned people not to pick dangerous mushrooms after weeks of wet weather earlier this year.
There have been concerns about yellow colored mushrooms and dead cap mushrooms, both of which are poisonous.