The Homicide Squad is collaborating with the Department of Health to investigate three fatal mushroom poisonings in Korumburra in South Gippsland this weekend.

Detectives have interviewed a 48-year-old Leongatha woman, who has been released pending further inquiries.

This comes after four people experienced poisoning following a private lunch in Leongatha on July 29. The fourth person remains in a critical condition in hospital.

The Department of Health have confirmed mushrooms were involved; however it is still unclear what type of mushroom the group ate.

The families of the victims have released a statement in which they said the sudden deaths have deeply affected them and the community.

“The past week has been a time of shock and grief for us all,” the statement said.

“They were parents, grandparents, siblings, children, and pillars of faith within our community.”

With a small population of around 10,000 people, South Gippsland Mayor Nathan Hersey has urged caution for mushroom foragers.

“I have been taught by people what to look for and am always extremely cautious about what is collected and what is left behind,” he told ABC Radio Melbourne.

“If in doubt, leave it. Don’t touch it. Don’t even consider picking up a mushroom in our area or anywhere that you don’t know what it is.”

The investigation surrounding the exact circumstances of the incident remains ongoing.

Photo: Close Up Photo of Mushroom during Daytime by Pixabay is available HERE and used under a Creative Commons license. This image has not been modified.