Food poisoning in NCC camp: Over 100 students hospitalized in Kochi

KOCHI: Almost 100 students from an NCC camp in Thrikkakara were rushed to hospital after suffering from food poisoning on Monday night. They were admitted to hospitals including Ernakulam Medical College. The incident took place at the camp that started on Friday in the compound of Thrikakkara KMM College and Cochin Public School.

Scenes turned chaotic near the premises after the authorities locked the compound gate to restrict concerned parents who came to the place after learning about the incident. The situation turned concerning after the parents broke the lock and stormed inside the building. A police team led by Thrikkakara ACP PV Baby brought the situation under control. The NCC camp was disbursed after the incident.

600 children of 21 Kerala Battalion of the district from class 9 to college level were in the camp. 200 are female students. The children were taken to the hospital on Monday night after many vomited and fell unwell. More than 75 people were admitted to the medical college while the rest are at Sunrise and B&B Hospitals. The health conditions of all students are satisfactory.

Late Monday night, the food safety department officials inspected the kitchen of the college where the food was prepared and collected samples. The NCC officers refused to talk to the parents and the police. As per camp rules, students had to deposit their mobile phones at the start of the camp. Many students said they complained about the unhygienic water and food facility but failed to evoke a response from the camp officers.