In 1986, eight-year-old Reshma Subramoney and her sister Rekha were the sole survivors of a tragic incident at their Woodhurst home, where five family members and a helper died from food poisoning. The disaster occurred when concentrated vitamin D oil, mistaken for cooking oil, was used to prepare meals. The oil had been stolen from a cargo ship at Durban Harbour and purchased by Reshma's father, who believed it was safe for use in the kitchen.
The family remained unaware of the contamination until nearly three weeks after consumption, when they began to experience persistent vomiting, abdominal cramps, significant weight loss, and profound weakness. Doctors at RK Khan Hospital were initially baffled by the symptoms, only discovering the cause after analyzing food samples from the home. In total, 11 family members were hospitalized, with several requiring intensive care. The victims included Jugrani Raghubar, Reshma's mother, Shamawathi Singh, Kosilla Raghubar, Ashnee Raghubar, and Cynthia, the family helper.
Decades later, Reshma published her memoir, The Lighthouse in Me, which details the profound grief, displacement, and isolation that followed the tragedy. The loss of her uncle, Krish Raghubar, and his wife Jane, inspired Reshma to ensure her family's story would not be forgotten. Through writing, she found an outlet for her emotions and a path toward healing. Her literary and philanthropic contributions have garnered international acclaim and numerous award nominations.
Reshma explained that the loss reverberated far beyond her immediate family, profoundly affecting the broader community. The tragedy continues to haunt Chatsworth and Phoenix, with social media serving as a space where painful memories are revisited. As the community reflects on the incident, a single question has persisted: what became of that little girl? Today, Reshma is a published author, inspiring hope in others who face adversity.
Reshma and her sister suffered long-term health complications from the poisoning, requiring major surgeries. The experience had a lasting impact on their lives, but Reshma has transformed her pain into a story of strength and survival. Her memoir is a testament to her resilience and courage in the face of tragedy. The book is available at www.reshma.co.za, offering a glimpse into Reshma's journey toward healing.
The incident began when Reshma's father purchased a bottle of concentrated vitamin D oil from a sailor, convinced it was safe for use in the kitchen. The oil's appearance was deceptive, leading the family to unknowingly consume the contaminated food. The tragedy serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and awareness in preventing such incidents. Reshma's story has sparked conversations about food safety and the need for community support.
Reshma's literary achievements have brought recognition to her family's story, ensuring that their memory lives on. Her philanthropic work has also made a positive impact on her community. As a published author, Reshma continues to inspire others with her story of strength and survival, offering hope and resilience in the face of adversity. Her memoir serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of healing and the impact of tragedy on families and communities.
Key points
- Reshma Subramoney's memoir, The Lighthouse in Me, details her journey to healing after losing 5 family members to food poisoning.
