Probe launched into deaths of 2 children allegedly given unknown drugs

Taichung, Jan. 31 (CNA) An investigation has been launched into the deaths of two children in Taichung who were suspected of being fed unidentified drugs, police in the city said on Saturday.

According to the authorities, they received a report early Saturday morning, saying the two children living in a building in the central Taiwanese city had no heartbeat or signs of breathing.

The authorities immediately dispatched an emergency crew to the scene and sent the two children to hospitals for treatment but they were later pronounced dead.

The authorities said they found a woman in the same building, describing her as emotionally unstable and fearing she would hurt herself so she has been sent to a hospital.

Her identity and relationship with the children has not been revealed.

The authorities added there was no evidence of any foul play or signs of force used at the scene.

The Social Affairs Bureau of the Taichung City Government said social workers have been assigned to the children's family to provide them with necessary assistance, while some family members have been put in a safe place.

In addition, the city's Education Bureau said it has instructed schools the children attended to offer condolences to their family and provide counselling to their classmates.

Police said relatives and friends of the children had gone to assist them before reporting the case to police, adding that they have collected evidence inside the building for further investigations.

Police did not reveal what type of drugs they suspected the children to have been fed.

Police said they have reported the case to the Taichung District Prosecutors Office, which will join the investigations and conduct autopsies to underpin the cause of death and how they happened.

Speaking with reporters, Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen (盧秀燕) expressed grief over the deaths, emphasizing an investigation has been launched by prosecutors and police to clarify the facts of the case, and urging the public to respect the family by not spreading any unconfirmed information about the case.