NONGSTOIN: Two children died while five others, including their mother and grandfather and three relatives, took ill after consuming wild mushrooms at Nongsynrang village near Porla in West Khasi Hills district on Monday.
The deceased have been identified as Wickly Iawphniaw (2) and Francis Iawphniaw (4).
According to information, the mother of the two children brought the mushrooms from a nearby forest on Monday. The grandfather then prepared the mushroom for the family. Soon after eating the mushrooms, however, the two children started vomiting continuously and died while being taken to hospital.
The grandfather along with the mother were shifted to the Nongstoin Civil Hospital while their three relatives escaped with minor illness as they hadn’t had much but had only tasted the mushroom dish.
Village elders have urged people to abstain from eating wild fruits and vegetables. They have also urged the government to spread awareness on the harmful effects of consuming wild vegetables and help identify the ones that are fit for human consumption.
