Food poisoning in Chennai – Pune Bharat Gaurav train : Condition of 99 passengers stable, clarify railway authorities

By: Pune Pulse

November 29, 2023

Pune: The condition of the 99 passengers, who were suffering from food poisoning on the Bharat Gaurav train from Chennai to Pune on November 29 (Wednesday), is stable now as appropriate medical treatment was provided to them.

As per information, the Central Railways (CR) stressed that neither IRCTC employees nor railway employees provided the food that caused food poisoning. Rather, a private contractor had provided the passengers with meals. As soon as the train arrived at the Pune railway station, steps were taken in response to the information regarding the food poisoning issue.

The railway authorities issued a clarification stating below information.

All travelers underwent medical attention and were in stable conditions following the treatment. Subsequently, they resumed their journey on the same train. No passenger required hospitalization; such measures were deemed unnecessary. Train No. 06911, the Chennai to Palitana Bharat Gaurav Express, arrived at Pune Platform No. 2 at 23:37 hrs. In Coach No. B-11, several passengers experienced symptoms such as vomiting, stomach pain, and loose motions.

A team of doctors promptly attended to the situation. The train resumed its journey at 00:29 hrs. The overall delay of the train at Pune was 52 minutes, occurring from 23:37 hrs to 00:29 hrs on 28/11/23. The train comprised a total of 19 LHB coaches.

The response team included 15 railway doctors and staff, 13 private doctors and staff, 8 NGO staff members, and 4 chief health inspectors, attending to a total of 99 patients experiencing symptoms like stomach pain, vomiting, dizziness, and loose motions.

Following the initial medical intervention, all passengers continued their journey on the same train, with no instances requiring hospitalization.

The Food Safety Officer (FSO) and Health Inspector of the station conducted an inspection of the pantry car and collected food samples, including loose oil, food color, and PDW Bisleri, for further investigation.

Shreyas Vange