BY BEN BILUA
A 20-year-old man from Ranonga, Western Province has died while three others remain in critical condition after consuming a poisonous balloon fish.
Reports reaching Island Sun said the incident occurred around 10pm Sunday when two men went fishing. During their trip, they caught several types of fish, including the highly poisonous balloon fish.
After returning home, the men cooked the catch without realising that the poisonous fish had been mixed with the others in the pot. Five individuals later consumed the meal.
Shortly after eating, the group began experiencing severe discomfort and unusual symptoms.
Their condition quickly worsened, prompting community members to rush them to the nearby Lale Clinic for urgent medical attention.
It was at Lale Clinic where one of the victims, a 20-year-old man, was pronounced dead. The other three patients were later transferred to Gizo Hospital in Gizo for further treatment and are reported to be in critical condition.
Balloon fish, also known as puffer fish, contains a toxin that can causes paralysis and death if consumed.
Island Sun understands that this is not the first time people have fallen victim to the deadly fish.
In 2021, a similar incident occurred at Niutakwa Village where two people died after consuming the poisonous fish.
Authorities are expected to remind communities to be cautious when consuming unfamiliar fish species.
Photo: Supplied
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