Over 100 students hospitalized after falling ill at Bihar school amid midday meal scare

Panic broke out at a government school in Bihar’s Saharsa district after more than 100 students were hospitalized when several children complained of illness shortly after consuming the midday meal served on campus.

The incident occurred at Baluwaha Middle School, where students were served rice and dal during lunch hours.

Soon after eating, several children reportedly began experiencing stomach pain and vomiting, triggering concern among teachers and parents.

Rumors Trigger Panic

Tension escalated rapidly after rumors spread that a snake had been found in one of the food plates. The claim circulated quickly among students and local residents, leading to chaos inside and outside the school premises.

Parents rushed to the school, and many immediately shifted their children to nearby hospitals out of fear.

Mohammad Tanveer, a parent, said, “My child studies here. We heard a snake was found in the food. Many children complained of stomach pain. We got scared and brought him to the hospital.”

Another parent, Kanchan Devi, said, “After eating the school meal, many children had stomachache. There were hundreds of students in school today, so everyone got worried.”

The panic reportedly spread beyond the school, with some children from nearby institutions also being taken to hospitals as a precautionary measure despite not showing symptoms.

Students Under Observation

Most of the affected students were admitted to Sadar Hospital Saharsa, while several others received treatment at nearby health centers. Officials said nearly 115 children were hospitalized during the peak of the incident.

District Magistrate Deepesh Kumar visited the hospital and reviewed the situation.

“All the children are stable. Some have mild fever, but nothing serious. They are under observation and will recover soon,” he said.

Doctors treating the students stated that no evidence of serious poisoning has been detected so far.

Probe Ordered Into Incident

Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause behind the illness. Officials collected samples of the midday meal and sent them for laboratory testing.

A team from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has also been asked to examine the matter.

The administration is additionally reviewing whether mandatory food safety procedures, including tasting meals before distribution, were followed at the school.

Officials have appealed to residents to avoid spreading unverified information until test results confirm the cause of the incident.