Dashe Koto, Meskan Woreda, East Gurage Zone — A tragic incident has shaken communities in the Central Ethiopia Regional State as seven members of a single family have died following what authorities describe as suspected “food poisoning.” Another family member remains in critical condition. Police have detained ten individuals as part of an expanding investigation.
According to Deputy Commander Yallew Temesgen of the Regional Police Crime Information Intelligence Directorate, the victims became violently ill shortly after sharing dinner at around 7:00 PM on 15 November 2025. Emergency responders and local residents rushed the family to a nearby hospital, but several children were pronounced dead upon arrival.
The deceased siblings include:
- Mengistu Haile (5)
- Mekibine Haile (7)
- Teklu Haile (17)
Despite continued medical treatment, two more children — Mekdes Haile (14) and Gebre Haile (15) — died the following night on 16 November. A sixth victim, Sisay Haile, aged one year and seven months, passed away on 18 November.
Their father, Haile Abera, who had remained in a coma, died overnight on 19 November, raising the death toll to seven.
The children’s mother and the sole survivor, Dameche Denbel, is currently receiving intensive care at Minilik Hospital.
Commander Yallew confirmed that an investigative task force composed of East Gurage Zone and Meskan Woreda officers has been formed to uncover the source of the suspected poisoning and determine whether foul play was involved. “Ten people have been arrested on suspicion that others may have been involved in the act, and an investigation is underway,” he said.
Authorities have not yet released information about the cause of the poisoning or possible motives. The investigation is ongoing.
HornCurrent will provide updates as more information becomes available.
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