Vijayanagar, Sep 12 : More than 80 school children were admitted to the hospital due to suspected food poisoning in Belagavi and Vijayanagar districts of Karnataka on Friday.

About 60 students residing at the government-run Morarji Desai Residential School at Hirekodi village in Belgavi district have been hospitalised after the students suddenly fell ill after having breakfast at the hostel.

The students, both boys and girls, complained of stomachaches and uneasiness. They were immediately shifted to the government hospital in Chikkodi town. The doctors have begun the treatment, and sources confirmed that all students are out of danger.

Congress MLC Prakash Hukkeri visited the hospital and monitored the treatment of school children. More details are awaited regarding the development. The health and school authorities are yet to ascertain the exact cause of food poisoning.

Another incident has been reported from the Government Primary School in E. Bevinahalli village, Harapanahalli taluk, Vijayanagar district in the north Karnataka region.

According to authorities, more than 25 children fell sick after eating hot food at the school. Some children vomited while eating and were subsequently hospitalised. Residents alleged that a lizard had fallen into the food, which went unnoticed by the cooks, leading to the tragedy.

Many children suffering from various symptoms were admitted to Harapanahalli Government Hospital and are being treated. Most of the children have recovered. Doctors stated that no child is showing serious symptoms and all are out of danger. Further investigation is underway.

Earlier on March 18, two died and more than 40 fell ill after consuming food that had been prepared for a Holi fest in T. Kagepura in Malavalli in Mysuru district. Among the students who fell ill, 22 were from Meghalaya. Two deceased students also hailed from Meghalaya.

The students of the hostel had consumed the contaminated food served to them after it was prepared for a Holi feast in the village for the members of a Rajasthani business community.

Apart from the student community, 60 people belonging to the Rajasthani community also fell ill due to food poisoning. The patients complained of vomiting and diarrhoea. The authorities had registered an FIR in connection with the incident.

/IANS