Cake kills kids

2005-03-09 14:18

Manila - At least seven schoolchildren died while 30 others were hospitalised due to food poisoning on Wednesday in a central Philippine province, a local official said.

But a radio report, quoting school officials, said the death toll could be as high as 30, while more than 100 others were in hospitals.

Romeo Teruel, chief of staff of the governor's office in Bohol province, said the victims were elementary students of a public school in Mabini town.

"This is very tragic," he said. "An investigation is underway. The victims had reportedly eaten cassava cake bought from the school canteen." - dpa

- SAPA