Wedding feast lands over 200 guests in hospital

LAHORE:

More than 360 guests at a wedding reception in Johar Town suffered from severe food poisoning, with over 200 hospitalised, officials said on Wednesday.

The incident occurred at a private marquee in Satto Katla, where guests began experiencing nausea, vomiting, and acute stomach pain shortly after consuming the meal.

Emergency services rushed to the scene, deploying multiple ambulances to transport affected individuals to hospitals across the city.

According to initial reports, the wedding ceremony was hosted by Sarfraz, a resident of Khayaban-e-Amin.

Speaking to reporters, he blamed the marquee management for the disaster.

“The food served was of extremely poor quality and unhygienic,” Sarfraz claimed, holding the caterers responsible for the mass poisoning.

Health officials confirmed that at least nine patients were in critical condition at General Hospital Lahore, while 27 others were admitted to Raiwind Indus Hospital. Seven individuals received treatment at the University of Lahore Hospital, while Kasur DHQ Hospital attended to over 10 affected guests. Additionally, 31 patients were being treated at private and public hospitals in Narowal.

Food safety officials launched an investigation, collecting samples for laboratory testing.