Tragic Incident at Drôme Nursing Home: Two Residents Dead
In a heartbreaking incident at the Maison des Buis nursing home in Grâne, Drôme, two elderly residents have died after ingesting dishwasher rinse aid. The victims, both over 85 years old, consumed the hazardous substance on Saturday under circumstances that remain unclear, according to the Valence prosecutor's office. The prosecutor, Laurent de Caigny, confirmed that one resident succumbed to the effects of the poison on Tuesday morning, following the death of another resident on Monday in a hospital. A third resident is currently in intensive care, while a fourth suffered minor injuries after coming into contact with the product.
Initial reports suggest that the residents may have ingested the rinse aid from containers that had been inadequately cleaned. Witnesses reported symptoms such as vomiting and swollen lips among those affected. The incident has raised serious concerns regarding the safety protocols at the nursing home, prompting an investigation into potential negligence.
Investigation Launched into Nursing Home Practices
The Loriol gendarmerie has initiated an investigation for injuries and involuntary manslaughter to ascertain whether the nursing home staff acted negligently. The Maison des Buis is a private facility with 48 rooms, situated approximately twenty kilometers south of Valence. The Auvergne Rhône-Alpes Regional Health Agency (ARS) is also monitoring the situation closely, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of residents in care facilities. This tragic event highlights the critical need for stringent safety measures in nursing homes to prevent similar incidents in the future.
