Authorities in India are investigating the sudden deaths of an entire family of four who reportedly fell critically ill within hours of eating watermelon after a late-night meal.
The incident took place in Mumbai, where the family — comprising a husband, wife and their two daughters — allegedly began suffering severe symptoms early in the morning after eating biryani with relatives followed by watermelon at home.
According to Indian media reports, the family shared a biryani supper with relatives at around 10:30pm on Apr. 25. However, only the four family members later consumed watermelon at approximately 1am.
Relatives who ate the same biryani reportedly did not experience any health complications.
Family Developed Severe Symptoms Hours Later
Just a few hours after eating the watermelon, all four family members allegedly started vomiting and suffering from diarrhoea and other serious symptoms at around 5:30am.
The condition of the family reportedly deteriorated rapidly, prompting emergency responders to rush them to hospital.
The youngest daughter, aged 12, was reportedly pronounced dead upon arrival at around 10:30am. First responders allegedly observed froth around her mouth.
Her 16-year-old sister and 35-year-old mother later died in the afternoon despite receiving intensive medical treatment.
The father, aged 44, reportedly became the fourth family member to die later that same night at around 10:15pm.
The shocking deaths have triggered widespread concern in India, with many questioning whether contaminated food, toxic chemicals or other external substances could have been involved.
Doctors Say Typical Food Poisoning Unlikely
Medical experts treating the family reportedly expressed doubts that ordinary food poisoning alone could have caused such a rapid and severe collapse.
Doctors at Sir JJ Hospital reportedly stated that even spoiled watermelon would be unlikely to cause multiple deaths within such a short timeframe.
A senior doctor involved in the treatment reportedly suggested that possible contaminants, chemical substances or additives could not be ruled out.
Hospital officials also noted that the symptoms did not resemble a standard foodborne illness case.
According to reports, the victims were already semi-conscious when they arrived at the hospital, with doctors observing unusually rapid neurological deterioration.
One medical superintendent reportedly said the speed and severity of the collapse suggested possible exposure to a potent toxic substance rather than routine food poisoning.
Watermelon Samples Sent For Testing
Authorities have since launched a full investigation into the deaths.
Post-mortem examinations have already been carried out, although officials are still awaiting toxicology and forensic test results before confirming the exact cause of death.
Samples of the watermelon consumed by the family have also been collected for laboratory testing.
While the case remains under investigation, local health experts reportedly urged the public not to panic, noting that watermelon is generally considered safe for consumption when properly handled and stored.
The unusual deaths have nonetheless sparked major public discussion in India surrounding food safety, contamination risks and toxic exposure concerns.