22-12-2024 (HANOI) A corporate conference in Hanoi’s Long Bien District has ended in tragedy after a suspected mass poisoning incident claimed two lives and left fourteen others requiring urgent medical attention, local authorities confirmed today.
The incident occurred following a gathering of approximately 80 attendees at an international event centre in Phuc Loi Ward on 19 December. The conference was organised by a company based in Area A of Pho Noi A Industrial Park, Hung Yen Province.
According to Hanoi Police, the venue was contracted to provide morning refreshments and lunch for the delegates. Whilst the food service was managed by the event centre, the company supplied approximately 20 litres of white wine, with additional bottles brought by conference participants.
The first signs of distress emerged at approximately 16:00 when six attendees visited a restaurant in nearby Giang Bien ward. One individual, experiencing severe headache and dizziness, required immediate medical attention and was rushed to Duc Giang Hospital.
The situation rapidly deteriorated, with a total of 16 conference participants ultimately displaying symptoms of poisoning. Tragically, two victims succumbed to their conditions whilst en route to emergency care. The remaining fourteen survivors are currently receiving treatment at Duc Giang and Bach Mai Hospitals.
Medical reports indicate that the affected individuals presented with symptoms including headaches and nausea, notably without the typical gastrointestinal distress associated with common food poisoning. All surviving patients are reported to be in stable condition.
The Long Bien District Police Investigation Agency has launched an urgent inquiry into the incident. Under the direction of the Hanoi Police Director, investigators are working alongside relevant authorities to collect and analyse samples of food and beverages served at the conference.
“A thorough investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of this tragic incident,” a police spokesperson said. The case remains active as authorities work to establish the precise circumstances that led to the poisonings.
