Cops storm home where three people died after eating poisonous mushroom meal in Victoria's Gippsland

Police have searched the home where three people died after eating poisonous wild mushrooms.

Ian Wilkinson and Heather Wilkinson, along with Mrs Wilkinson’s sister and brother-in-law, Gail and Don Patterson, became ill after they ate a meal at the property in Leongatha, in Victoria’s Gippsland region, on July 29.

All four went to hospital the next day as their condition drastically worsened.

The two sisters, aged 70 and 66, died on Friday, while Mr Patterson, 70, died on Saturday night.

Mr Wilkinson, 68, remains in a critical condition at The Alfred hospital. 

Ian Wilkinson and Heather Wilkinson (both pictured), along with Mrs Wilkinson’s sister and brother-in-law, Gail and Don Patterson, became severely ill after they ate wild mushrooms. Mrs Wilkinson died on Friday while her husband remains in a critical condition in hospital

A major homicide investigation has now been launched to determine what happened. 

A local woman, 48, was has been questioned by Victoria Police on Sunday but was later released pending further enquiries.

Investigators say it’s not yet known whether the matter is suspicious as detectives were still trying to establish the circumstances surrounding the case.

‘The investigation into the incident remains ongoing and police will liaise with the Department of Health,’ a police spokesperson said.

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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.’

It’s understood the group’s meal had mushrooms that were poisonous but it’s not yet known what type of mushroom they ingested 

The Wilkinson and Patterson families released a statement on the tragedy on Sunday.

‘The past week has been a time of shock and grief for us all,’ it read, as reported in the local paper, the South Gippsland Sentinel-Times. 

‘They were parents, grandparents, siblings, children, and pillars of faith within our community.’

‘Their love, steadfast faith, and selfless service have left an indelible mark on our families, the Korumburra Baptist Church, the local community, and indeed, people around the globe.’

‘Our families will assist appropriate authorities in any way we can and respect any necessary processes amidst this tragedy.’

Churchgoers prayed for the group at a morning service at the local Baptist Church in Korumburra on Sunday, where Mr Wilkinson is a pastor. 

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.