Da Nang student dies after consuming toxic leaves

A tragic incident occurred in Hung Son commune, Da Nang, where five students at a local inter-level school consumed leaves suspected to be from the toxic 'la ngon' plant (Gelsemium elegans). The incident took place around midday on October 28 at the Ch’Ơm school site.

According to local authorities and the Da Nang Border Guard Command, the students were playing near a hill close to the school when they picked and ate the leaves out of curiosity. One 13-year-old student passed away after being rushed to the Hung Son Military-Civilian Medical Station, while four other students required emergency medical attention.

As of October 29, the four surviving students have stabilized and been discharged from the medical facility. Local officials are investigating the exact circumstances of the event, noting that the toxic plant is common in highland areas. Authorities have since increased awareness campaigns to warn residents and students about the dangers of consuming unidentified wild plants.