Two killed by food poisoning

PURWOKERTO, Central Java: Two people died and 18 others were rushed to hospital on Tuesday after suspected food poisoning at a wedding party at Kutayasa village in Baturraden district.

The two victims are 64-year-old Riwen and 56-year-old Matori. The others were admitted for treatment at the nearby Army-run hospital.

Banyumas Police chief Sr. Comr. Imam Basuki said police were investigating the incident and dismissed speculation that the food poisoning was deliberate.

"We suspect that there was problems with the food and we are waiting to examine the meals," he said.

Witnesses said the guests at the wedding party held by Miharjo were served rice, beans, a peanut dish, boiled eggs, spicy jackfruit soup, and various traditional snacks, such as taffy made from sticky rice, palm sugar and coconut milk, and also cakes.

The guests reportedly became dizzy and vomited immediately after they left the wedding party, police said. (45/emf)