Monitoring Desk
ISLAMABAD: More than 200 attendees of a wedding in Raiwind, near Lahore, were hospitalized on Tuesday night after consuming suspected contaminated food.
The affected individuals, including women and children, experienced severe symptoms shortly after the meal.
Emergency response teams, with assistance from local residents, promptly transported the ill guests to nearby medical facilities. According to rescue officials, nine individuals were admitted to Lahore General Hospital, 27 to Raiwind Indus Hospital, and 10 to DHQ Hospital Kasur, all in critical condition.
The groom, Sarfraz, who had booked a private venue in the Satto Katla area for the wedding, reported that several guests remain in critical condition. In addition to those in Lahore hospitals, seven individuals are in serious condition at the University of Lahore Hospital, and more than 10 were taken to Kasur DHQ Hospital for treatment. Furthermore, 31 people are receiving care in both private and government hospitals in Narowal.
Authorities are investigating the incident to determine the exact cause of the mass illness, with initial suspicions pointing toward food poisoning from substandard or improperly handled food served at the event.
This incident underscores the critical importance of food safety standards, especially during large gatherings. Ensuring proper food handling and hygiene can prevent such unfortunate events and safeguard public health.
