UPDATE: A devastating incident has unfolded in Pietracatella, Italy, where a mother and her 15-year-old daughter have tragically passed away following a suspected contaminated Christmas dinner. Reports confirm that both Antonella Di Ielsi, 50, and Sara Di Vita died within hours of consuming a meal that included fish, mussels, and mushrooms on December 25, 2023.
The alarming sequence of events began shortly after the festive meal when both individuals began to exhibit severe symptoms, including vomiting and intense stomach pain. Sara was rushed to the emergency room two times before being discharged. However, her condition rapidly deteriorated, leading to her death at Cardarelli Hospital at 11 PM on Saturday night.
Following her daughter’s tragic passing, Antonella was admitted to the same hospital as her symptoms mirrored those of Sara. According to Vincenzo Cuzzone, a physician at the hospital, the clinical situation escalated unexpectedly, resulting in rapid fatalities despite medical intervention.
“The clinical picture took a truly rare turn, which quickly led to death, despite the care we provided,”
Cuzzone stated in an interview with Il Messaggero. Medical professionals initially noted generic symptoms in Sara, but her condition’s swift decline prompted precautionary measures for Antonella.
In a grim twist, Ganni Di Vita, the husband and father, is now experiencing similar symptoms and has been transported to the intensive care unit at Spallanzani Hospital in Rome. Meanwhile, the couple’s 18-year-old daughter is under close observation but reportedly did not partake in the Christmas dinner.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the source of the suspected food poisoning, collecting food samples from the family’s home, including canned goods and fresh produce. Nicola D’Angelo, the prosecutor overseeing the case, confirmed that post-mortem examinations will be conducted as part of the inquiry.
Village mayor Antonio Tommasone expressed profound grief at the tragedy, stating,
“We are devastated. This is a tragedy that leaves us speechless. The village is in disbelief.”
In a show of solidarity, local residents held a vigil at the hospital, and Christmas festivities in the village have been canceled.
In a shocking turn of events, five doctors from Cardarelli Hospital are reportedly under investigation for potential manslaughter, as the inquiry seeks to determine any negligence that may have contributed to this heartbreaking incident.
Authorities emphasize the urgency of this situation to prevent further tragedies, urging the public to remain vigilant regarding food safety during the holiday season. As investigations continue, communities are left mourning the loss of two lives and closely monitoring the health of the surviving family members.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as details emerge.
