Moscow Region, Russia: At least three people have died and more than 40 others were hospitalized after a mass poisoning incident at a care facility in the Vidnoye district of the Moscow region, authorities confirmed on Friday. The incident occurred on December 19, 2025, and has prompted a full criminal investigation by Russian officials.
According to preliminary information released by the Investigative Committee of Russia, a total of 73 people were present inside the facility at the time of the incident. Many began showing sudden symptoms of illness, including vomiting, weakness, and severe gastrointestinal distress. Emergency services rushed the affected individuals to nearby hospitals for urgent medical care.
Health officials later confirmed that three people died as a result of the poisoning. Doctors treating the hospitalized patients described their conditions as ranging from mild to serious. Several victims were diagnosed with acute intestinal infections, pointing to possible food contamination as the source.
Local medical teams worked through the night to stabilize patients, while hospital authorities stated that all affected individuals are receiving necessary treatment. Officials have not released the names of the deceased, but confirmed they were residents or staff members of the facility.
The Investigative Committee has opened a criminal case under charges related to providing unsafe services, a serious offense under Russian law. Investigators sealed off parts of the facility and began questioning management, kitchen staff, and caregivers to determine what went wrong.
Forensic teams from The Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing collected samples of food, drinking water, and dishware from the site. These samples have been sent for laboratory testing to identify any toxic substances or harmful bacteria that may have caused the outbreak. Officials are also reviewing food procurement records and sanitation practices within the facility.
A spokesperson for the committee said investigators are working to establish whether negligence or violations of health and safety regulations contributed to the tragedy.
Russian media outlets first reported the incident late on December 19, as ambulances were seen arriving at the facility.
Authorities acknowledged public anxiety and assured citizens that updates would be shared as more information becomes available. Officials emphasized that there is currently no indication of a wider public health risk beyond the facility.
(Rh/ARC)
