An investigation into involuntary manslaughter and unintentional injuries was opened after the death of three residents of a nursing home in Pleine-Fougères, in Ille-et-Vilaine, probably “as a result of food poisoning”, announced the prosecution.
“Investigations are currently underway to determine the causes of death and to characterize possible criminal responsibilities,” said Saint-Malo prosecutor Fabrice Tremel, in a press release published Friday evening.
The residents of the nursing home “died on October 31 and November 1 as a result of food poisoning” and “around 40 other people suffered from the same pathology”, according to the same source.
“To date (Friday), 41 victims have been recorded: 40 residents of the nursing home and staff of the establishment. A resident of the nursing home is currently still hospitalized,” underlined the magistrate.
An autopsy performed
The prosecution was informed of the situation on November 4 when “two of the three deceased people had already been buried”. An autopsy was carried out on the body of the third victim, according to the prosecution, which does not reveal the conclusions.
The investigation was entrusted to the Saint-Malo research brigade, the Central Office for the fight against attacks on the environment and public health and the National Veterinary and Phytosanitary Investigation Brigade.