A 20-year-old student, identified as Mirabel, died in the early hours of Tuesday, March 4, 2025, after collapsing at Lycee Technique de Njombe, Mungo Division of the Littoral, where she was a student.
Authorities suspect food poisoning, as her father and younger brother, who ate the same meal, were also hospitalized with severe stomach complications.
According to local sources, Mirabel, her 8-year-old brother, and their father had consumed reheated food prepared by her mother the previous evening. They later resumed their normal activities, unaware of the looming danger. At school, Mirabel suddenly fell ill and the staff rushed her to Saint Jean de Malte Hospital, where doctors pronounced her dead on arrival.
“We did everything possible to stabilize her, but she had already suffered significant distress before reaching the hospital,” a Tiemencho Jean, a Nurse told MMI.
Meanwhile, the hospital’s emergency unit admitted Mirabel’s father and younger brother after they exhibited similar symptoms. Their current condition stays undisclosed.
Local authorities have reportedly detained a neighbour for questioning as they work to confirm the exact cause of the poisoning. Residents of Mbouale quarter in Njombe alleged possible foul play, though investigators have not ruled out other possibilities.
