San Mateo care home resident dies after ingesting toxic chemicals

SAN MATEO – A resident of a San Mateo care home facility died and two others were hospitalized after they were mistakenly served dishwashing liquid as a drink, according to the facility.

An officer was called to Atria Park of San Mateo around 8:10 p.m. Sunday for a report of a woman being poisoned, the San Mateo Police Department said in a statement.

An investigation revealed that three residents were hospitalized after “ingesting toxic chemicals,” according to police. One of the residents, a 93-year-old woman, died at a hospital.

In a statement provided to NBC Bay Area, Atria Park confirmed three of its residents were hospitalized “after mistakenly being served dishwashing liquid as drinking juice.

“We have been working with local authorities, who have informed us that one resident passed away,” the statement continued. “Our sincerest condolences are with the family. When this occurred, our staff immediately contacted authorities, and the residents were transported to the hospital for evaluation and treatment.”

Police are investigating the case jointly with the state Department of Social Services Ombudsman.

“This is an ongoing investigation and updates will be provided as soon as they become available,” police said.

Atria Park said it is conducting its own internal investigation, and the employees who were involved in the incident have been suspended until that investigation concludes.

“We will continue working with the police and Department of Social Services to fully review and assess the incident, after which we will take additional actions as needed,” the statement read. “The safety and well-being of our residents remain our top priorities at all times.”

Anyone with information related to the case can contact San Mateo police Sgt. Paul Pak at 650-522-7660 or pak@cityofsanmateo.org. Anonymous tips can be submitted at tinyurl.com/SMPDTips or by calling 650-522-7676.

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