Two cakes, one brought death: could Christmas tragedy have been prevented?

Torres (Brazil) - A Christmas dinner ended in a tragic catastrophe in which only four of seven family members survived - now new details have come to light.

A traditional Christmas celebration ended in unbelievable tragedy on December 23 when a cake baked by 61-year-old Zeli Terezinha Silva dos Anjos led to the deaths of three family members.

As Daily Mail now reports, Zeli and her family prepared two cakes for the party - but only one was laced with the toxic semi-metal arsenic.

The tragedy could possibly have been prevented if the family had chosen the second cake - but they decided to eat the 61-year-old's cake, as is traditional every year.

"It only took seconds for everyone to complain about the bitter taste of the cake," reported Isabel Moraes, a close relative.

As soon as the guests had taken their first bite, they complained of nausea and severe pain. Zeli, who had already eaten two pieces herself, immediately shouted that no one should eat any more of the cake - but it was too late.

They all had to be taken to hospital due to the severe discomfort.

The family members were treated in hospital, but three of them eventually died on Christmas Eve.

Zeli Terezinha Silva dos Anjos, who is in a critical condition herself, is now plagued by agonizing feelings of guilt.

Her family, however, believes in her innocence and suspects that a stranger with evil intentions may have mixed the poison into the cake.

Amidst the grief and shock, there are still many unanswered questions. The investigation is ongoing, but so far there are no clear clues as to the origin of the poison.

The police are investigating whether expired ingredients could have caused the poisoning, but many family members suspect deliberate sabotage.

Of particular concern is the possible link to another tragic incident: Zeli's husband died in September after eating bananas that were apparently also contaminated with dangerous chemicals.