Tragedy struck in Sri Lanka as two young tourists died from suspected pesticide poisoning after their hostel was fumigated for bedbugs, Britain’s PA Media news agency has reported. The victims, Ebony McIntosh, a 24-year-old digital marketing and social media manager from Derby, England, and 26-year-old Nadine Raguse from Germany, had been staying at the Miracle Colombo City hostel in the Sri Lankan capital.

According to Sri Lanka Police, both women fell ill after a room at the hostel underwent fumigation. Police spokesman Buddhika Manatunga revealed that McIntosh was hospitalized on Saturday but later succumbed. Authorities are investigating whether pesticides caused the deaths.

An autopsy to determine McIntosh’s cause of death is set to take place once her family arrives in Sri Lanka on Monday. Meanwhile, the hostel remains closed as police continue their probe. A spokesperson for the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) confirmed that they are assisting McIntosh’s family and coordinating with local authorities regarding the incident.

The tragic deaths have raised concerns about pesticide use and fumigation safety in the hospitality industry, prompting calls for stricter regulations to prevent similar incidents in the future.

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