UPDATE: City media highlight ‘homicide’ investigation
CITY media outlets, including Channel 7, the ABC, the Herald-Sun and The Age are highlighting the involvement of the Police Homicide Squad in the tragic death of three Korumburra residents, and the hospitalization of another, allegedly after eating...
CITY media outlets, including Channel 7, the ABC, the Herald-Sun and The Age are highlighting the involvement of the Police Homicide Squad in the tragic death of three Korumburra residents, and the hospitalization of another, allegedly after eating field mushrooms at a private home in Leongatha.
In news reports on Sunday night, they have provided details about police executing a search warrant at a Leongatha house on Saturday and questioning a 48-year-old Leongatha woman, who was subsequently released without charge.
However, while police are investigating the circumstances around the poisoning of four, possibly more members of the Korumburra Baptist Church, allegedly at a private lunch in Leongatha on Saturday, July 29, they have not indicated that the victims are the subject of foul play.
“At this time the exact circumstances are still being established and it is not known if the matter is suspicious,” said police.
In the meantime, there has been an outpouring of grief and support within the Korumburra community, starting on social media over the weekend, as news of the fatalities spread, culminating in a Sunday morning service at the Baptist Church in Korumburra.
Here church goers prayed for the deceased trio, including two sisters, and the husband of one of the women, and also their pastor Ian Wilkinson who remains in intensive care in hospital.
“We pray for Ian and ask that you guide his medical staff so that he will recover and be returned to us,” said church elders.
“We don’t understand why these bad things are happening, but we trust in your love. What we do know is that they will be getting a hug from Jesus in heaven today.”
It has been reported that the congregation was aware that a “gastro like” illness was affecting some church members the previous Sunday, but it has come as a great shock to all to see the illness take a tragic turn.
The church was packed for the morning service, with congregation members invited to light a candle with a prayer to Jesus for the deceased and also for their pastor Ian.
The devastating outcome of a meal of wild mushrooms has highlighted the dangers that exist.
A few months ago the Health Department issued a warning about just this type of eventuality.
“There is no safe way to eat field mushrooms. They might be the most delicious mushrooms you have ever eaten, but they may be your last,” said a spokesperson, saying some deadly mushrooms look like others that may be eaten.
Related article: https://www.sgst.com.au/news/update-grieving-family-thanks-community-for-love-and-prayers
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