Death from wild mushrooms: Three people die after suspected poisoning in Victoria’s Gippsland region
- Three dead in Victoria
- Cause is suspected poisoning by wild mushrooms
A major police investigation has been launched after three people died of suspected wild mushroom poisoning in southeastern Victoria.
Four people from Korumburra were hospitalized on July 29 after eating a meal at a home in Leongatha, Gippsland region.
Two women, aged 66 and 70, died in hospital on Friday. A 70-year-old man died Saturday night.
The second man, 68 years old, is in a critical condition in hospital. It is not yet known what kind of mushroom the group ingested.
A major police investigation has been launched after three people died from suspected wild mushroom poisoning in southeastern Victoria (stock image)
In a statement, Victoria Police said a search warrant was executed at a home in Leongatha on Saturday.
“Detectives have questioned a 48-year-old Leongatha woman who has been released pending further investigation,” a police spokeswoman said.
It is clear that the two deceased women were sisters.
“At this time, the exact circumstances are still being determined and it is not known whether the case is suspicious,” Victoria police said on Saturday.
“The investigation into the incident continues and the police will contact the Ministry of Health.”
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.”
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.