Probe still ongoing to determine how boy died after consuming liquid; family in stable condition

The surviving members of the Region One family that consumed a locally-made liquid are all in a stable condition but the authorities are still uncertain over what exactly caused the adverse reactions.

On Tuesday, police headquarters reported that Rondel Henry, a 13-year-old boy from the North West District, died on Monday after he, his parents and three siblings had reportedly consumed some liquid on Sunday that caused them to experience diarrhoea and vomiting.

An official told the News Room on Thursday that health workers collected stool samples from the family members who have been receiving treatment at the Mabaruma Regional Hospital.

The intention of these tests is to understand what bacteria caused the vomiting and diarrhoea but it is unsure if those tests will help officials understand why the boy died. In addition, an autopsy is expected to be performed on the child soon.

The official also stated that preliminary investigations were conducted to see if there was any mercury or pesticide poisoning around the area that may have harmed the family. Neither of those substances was found, however.

Meanwhile, according to the police, on Monday at about 16:00 hrs, a team of environmental officers and police ranks visited the scene where checks were made around the premises but no containers or anything relating to a poisonous substance was found.