Police probe after wild mushroom deaths

A major police probe has been launched after three people died from a suspected poisoning from wild mushrooms in Victoria’s southeast.

Four people from Korumburra were hospitalised after eating a meal at a home in Leongatha, in the Gippsland region, on July 29.

Two women, aged 66 and 70, passed away in hospital on Friday.

A man, 70, died on Saturday night.

The second man, aged 68, remains in hospital in a critical condition.

It is not yet known what type of mushroom the group ingested.

Three people have died after ingesting wild and poisonous mushrooms in Victoria’s south east. Picture: Supplied

In a statement, Victoria Police said a search warrant was executed at a home in Leongatha on Saturday.

“Detectives interviewed a 48-year-old Leongatha woman who was released pending further enquiries,” a police spokeswoman said.

It is understood the two women who passed away were sisters.

“At this time the exact circumstances are still being established and it is not known if the matter is suspicious,” Victoria Police said on Saturday.

“The investigation into the incident remains ongoing and police will liaise with the Department of Health.”

A Department of Health spokesman confirmed the department was assisting police with their investigation.

“The Department is aware of the situation and our investigations are ongoing,” he said.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the patient's’ family for their loss.”

The news comes after Victoria Health earlier this year warned people not to pick dangerous mushrooms after weeks of wet weather.

There have been concerns over yellow-staining mushrooms and death cap mushrooms – both of which are poisonous.