Additional Coverage:
- Christmas tragedy as mother and daughter die hours apart after suspected poisoned meal (themirror.com)
Mother and Daughter Perish After Suspected Contaminated Christmas Meal
Pietracatella, Italy – A Christmas celebration took a tragic turn for a family in Pietracatella, Italy, as a mother and her teenage daughter died within hours of each other after consuming what authorities suspect was a contaminated holiday meal. Antonella Di Ielsi, 50, and her 15-year-old daughter, Sara Di Vita, are believed to have suffered acute liver failure, or fulminant hepatitis, following a meal that reportedly included fish, mussels, and mushrooms.
The heartbreaking events unfolded after the family gathered for their Christmas feast. Both Antonella and Sara began experiencing severe symptoms, including nausea and abdominal discomfort.
Despite two visits to the emergency room, Sara was initially sent home by medical professionals. However, her condition rapidly deteriorated, leading to her death at Cardarelli Hospital at 11 p.m. on Saturday.
Tragically, Antonella began exhibiting similar symptoms shortly after her daughter’s passing and was also rushed to the hospital. Vincenzo Cuzzone, a representative from Cardarelli Hospital, described the situation as “a truly rare turn, which quickly led to death, despite the care we provided.” He noted that information from the family was “fragmentary” due to their state of shock.
Cuzzone explained that Sara initially presented with “generic symptoms.” However, given the “rapid and sudden progression” of her condition and subsequent death, doctors proactively requested that Antonella be brought to the hospital as a precautionary measure when relatives reported she was experiencing the same symptoms. “We tried to stay ahead of the curve, but unfortunately, it wasn’t enough,” Cuzzone stated.
The family’s patriarch, Ganni Di Vita, 55, also began experiencing identical symptoms and is currently receiving treatment in the intensive care unit at Spallanzani Hospital in Rome. The couple’s 18-year-old daughter, who reportedly did not dine with the family that evening, remains under close medical observation.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, collecting food samples, including canned goods and fresh ingredients, from the family’s home to identify the source of the suspected poisoning. The public prosecutor’s office has ordered post-mortem examinations for Antonella and Sara.
Antonio Tommasone, the village mayor, expressed the profound grief gripping the community. “We are devastated.
This is a tragedy that leaves us speechless. The village is in disbelief at such a tragedy.
I offer my condolences and those of the entire community.”
In the wake of the deaths, Christmas celebrations in the village were canceled, and residents gathered for a vigil at the hospital. Reports indicate that five physicians from Cardarelli Hospital in Campobasso are now facing manslaughter charges as part of the ongoing investigation. Prosecutor Nicola D’Angelo stated that the investigation will scrutinize potential negligence, aim to determine the exact cause of the poisoning, and “ensure that no other citizens are involved in a tragedy of this nature.”