Shillong, June 3, 2024 — The death toll from the wild mushroom poisoning incident in Saphai village, Thadlaskein block, West Jaiñtia Hills district, has tragically risen to four. The latest victim, Anna Suchiang, succumbed to the poisoning on June 2 after being transferred to the North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS) due to her critical condition.
Anna Suchiang, along with her husband Over Sutnga and their adopted daughter Niwanshwa Kanai, had initially been admitted to the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) hospital in Jowai. Both Suchiang and Sutnga were later moved to NEIGRIHMS on the night of June 1 as their condition worsened. Sadly, Anna Suchiang did not survive, while Over Sutnga remains in critical condition.
The incident had already claimed the lives of three minor children from the same family on June 1. Wansalan Suchiang (14), Kitlangki Suchiang (10), and Riwanka Suchiang (8) died at the MCH hospital in Jowai after consuming the poisonous mushrooms.
Their mother, Jumonlang Suchiang (43), and her 10-month-old son were also referred to NEIGRIHMS and are in critical condition.
In a related case, members of the Shadap family – Ribaitki Shadap, Shanmi Shadap, and Sah Shadap – are also fighting for their lives at the MCH hospital in Jowai after consuming the same toxic mushrooms.
The community is in mourning as they cope with the devastating impact of the poisoning, and local authorities are urging caution regarding the consumption of wild mushrooms. The incident has highlighted the risks associated with foraging for wild edibles without proper knowledge and identification.
Local health officials are working to raise awareness about the dangers of wild mushroom consumption and are providing guidance to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The state government has also announced measures to support the affected families and enhance food safety education in rural areas.