Tragedy Strikes: Family of four perishes after consuming poisonous fufu corn

Batcham, West Region, Cameroon(CNA) – A tragic incident has rocked the village of Banguié in the Batcham Subdivision in the West Region. Four members of the same family, including the mother and two adopted children, tragically lost their lives after consuming a poisonous meal of fufu corn on Monday, October 28, 2024.

The victims, whose names have been identified as Chanceline Tedongmo and her three children, were rushed to the Batcham District Hospital after exhibiting symptoms of severe food poisoning. Unfortunately, they succumbed to the toxic effects of the contaminated meal.

Two other children who also consumed the same meal were transferred to a hospital in Bafoussam for urgent medical attention. The head of the family, Patrice Dzemdio, miraculously survived the ordeal.

Local authorities, including the Batcham gendarmerie brigade, have initiated an investigation into the incident. Forensic experts are working to determine the exact cause of the poisoning. The bodies of the victims have been deposited at the morgue pending further investigation.

It is not clear if the poisoning emanated from the soup or the fufu corn they ate.