BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
A suspected case of food poisoning has claimed the life of one worker and left several others hospitalised in Isabel Province.
Reports reaching Island Sun state that the incident occurred at the Far East Mining site on San Jorge Island, where workers allegedly consumed a tuna dish believed to have caused the illness.
According to information received, a group of unidentified fishermen had earlier sold the tuna to the company.
The fish was later prepared and served as part of a meal for employees at the mining site.
Shortly after consuming the meal, several workers reportedly fell ill, experiencing symptoms consistent with food poisoning.
They were rushed to a nearby clinic for urgent medical attention, while some were later transported to Honiara for further treatment.
Tragically, one of the affected workers succumbed to the illness.
Relatives of the deceased have since called on Far East Mining Company to provide an explanation regarding the incident and are also seeking compensation for the loss of life.
Speaking to Island Sun, Mr. Moses Oku, whose son was among those affected, said his child suffered digestive complications after eating the fish but has since recovered following medical treatment.
“It is still unclear what went wrong. Reports we heard were that the company bought tuna from some unknown fishermen and prepared it for the workers’ meal.
“As they normally do, the workers ate their meal only to suffer from food poisoning. My son was lucky to survive,” Oku said.
Authorities are yet to confirm the exact cause of the poisoning, and investigations are currently underway to determine what led to the incident.
Far East Mining Company is among several firms operating in Isabel Province.
For feedback, contact: [email protected]
Editor: [email protected]
