At Least Three Dead, More Than 40 Hospitalized After Suspected Mass Poisoning at Moscow Care Home

At least three people have died and more than 40 others were taken to hospital with conditions described as "varying severity" after a suspected mass poisoning at a care facility in Moscow, authorities said.

The Investigative Committee of Russia posted a statement to Telegram on Dec. 20 saying the incident occurred at a care home where 73 people were present at the time. The committee said three residents died and over 40 were hospitalized.

Ongoing Investigation

Law-enforcement officers are questioning the facility’s management and residents as part of a criminal probe. Investigators and forensic specialists inspected the premises, seized documents and collected samples of food and dishware for laboratory testing, the committee said.

GettyA hospital (stock image).

The Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing has also collected food samples for analysis to determine the cause of the illnesses.

Local outlets including Lenta.ru and Ren TV first reported the mass poisoning on Dec. 19. Ren TV cited doctors who diagnosed patients with acute intestinal infections. PEOPLE contacted the Investigative Committee of Russia on Dec. 20 and had not received an immediate response.

What Happens Next

Laboratory results and forensic analyses are expected to clarify whether the outbreak resulted from contaminated food, environmental factors, deliberate poisoning or another cause. Authorities have not yet released detailed findings or identified any suspects.

Authorities urge anyone with information about the incident to come forward as the investigation continues.