Police Investigate Case Of Mass Poisoning Of SMKN 1 Tulungagung Students

TULUNGAGUNG - Police officers from the Tulungagung District Police, East Java are investigating the mass poisoning experienced by dozens of students and teachers at SMKN 1 Rejotangan during a face-to-face learning.

"Yes, it is being investigated to determine the exact cause of the poisoning," said Tulungagung Police Chief AKBP Handono Subiakto, quoted by Antara, Monday, October 11.

Although there were no fatalities, the police considered it necessary to conduct an investigation to find out whether or not there was a criminal element in the incident.

The reason is, it does not rule out cases of intentional poisoning or negligence factors that endanger the safety of others.

"The indication is from food, I don't know if it's from vomit. But there are some caterers," he said.

In addition to taking samples of food and vomit from students, the police have also examined a number of witnesses, including those from the caterer.

"The examination has been carried out, but it is still limited to an interview," said AKBP Handono.

Information from the Tulungagung Health Office stated that a total of 26 students and teachers were poisoned. The number is more than the data submitted by the Banjarejo Health Center.

Previously, dozens of students at SMKN 1 Rejotangan suffered from mass poisoning since Friday, October 8 evening and continued until Saturday, October 9 afternoon.

The students whose condition was severe were immediately rushed to the Banjarejo Health Center for first aid and as of Sunday, October 10, there were still 14 students being treated.

These students ate rice boxes from catering with noodles and eggs as side dishes on Friday, October 8 at around 15.00 WIB.

After returning home, some students have felt symptoms of poisoning, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and dizziness.

Because Saturday, October 9th there was still activity, the students went back to school.

While carrying out these activities, the symptoms of poisoning got worse, so dozens of students had to be taken to the Banjarejo Health Center for medical assistance.