Seven students from the Institute of Science, Information, and Technology fell ill on their way back from a picnic in Panama City. They are currently receiving treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital. The incident occurred on Wednesday evening while flying over Mayor Hanif Flyover.
The students, identified as Sadiya Akhtar Papri (18), Sabir (19), Monika (17), Nusrat (17), Shimul (18), Samia (18), and Rabeya Akhtar (17), embarked on a picnic to Panama City in Sonargaon, Narayanganj, taking six buses from Dhaka. After spending the day sightseeing and enjoying food, they were returning to Dhaka in high spirits, dancing and singing along to the music on the bus. However, one female student suddenly fell ill on Mayor Hanif Flyover, followed by at least six more students feeling unwell. They were immediately taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital’s emergency department in the same bus.
Upon arrival at Dhaka Medical, at least seven students were rushed to the emergency department. Some were vomiting, some experiencing difficulty breathing, and all were promptly attended to. There were concerns of panic attacks amongst the students.
Expert insight from Dhaka Medical College’s emergency department doctors indicated that the students’ symptoms could be due to food poisoning or exposure to an unknown allergen. The situation remains under close observation, with medical staff working diligently to stabilize the students’ conditions.
Expert Commentary on the Incident
Dr. Rahman, Head of Emergency Medicine at Dhaka Medical College, emphasized the importance of swift action in such cases. He stressed the need for proper investigation to determine the cause of the students’ sudden illness, ensuring appropriate treatment measures are taken promptly.
Ensuring Student Safety During Outings
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of ensuring students’ safety during outings and picnics. Proper planning, including food safety measures, emergency preparedness, and adequate supervision, can help prevent such unfortunate incidents in the future.
As investigations continue into the cause of the students’ illness, the focus remains on providing them with the best possible care and ensuring their swift recovery. The well-being of the students is paramount, and efforts are being made to identify the root cause of the incident to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
