A heartbreaking incident in a Nawada district village has resulted in the deaths of a man and his young grandson, with three other family members fighting for their lives, after they were allegedly poisoned by fumes from a traditional charcoal heater.
The Tragic Morning in Triloki Bigha
The event unfolded in Triloki Bigha village, located within the jurisdiction of the Mufassil police station, on Sunday morning. The family was using a 'borsi', a common charcoal-burning heater, to keep warm during the cold winter night. It is believed that the heater consumed the oxygen in the room and released deadly carbon monoxide, leading to suffocation.
Neighbours Forced Entry, Found Family Unconscious
When the family members failed to open their door for an extended period, concerned neighbours grew suspicious. They eventually took matters into their own hands and broke open the door. Inside, they discovered all five occupants of the room lying unconscious.
All five individuals were immediately rushed to the Pawapuri Medical Hospital for emergency treatment. Despite medical efforts, Shri Yadav (50) and his four-year-old grandson, Ashish Kumar, were declared dead upon arrival or shortly after. The three surviving members—Shri Yadav's wife, daughter, and granddaughter—remain in critical condition and are currently undergoing intensive treatment at the same hospital.
Police Investigation and Postmortem
Mufassil inspector Pankaj Kumar provided details on the procedural steps following the tragedy. He confirmed that a postmortem examination was conducted on the two deceased. "The two bodies have been handed over to the family members after the postmortem," stated Inspector Kumar, highlighting the completion of the initial formalities.
This tragic event serves as a grim reminder of the dangers associated with indoor use of charcoal or coal-based heaters, especially in poorly ventilated spaces. Every winter, similar incidents are reported across North India, where people use such methods for warmth, often unaware of the silent threat of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Key safety measures to prevent such accidents include:
- Ensuring proper ventilation when using any fuel-based heater.
- Avoiding the use of charcoal or coal 'angithis' and 'borsis' inside closed rooms.
- Installing carbon monoxide detectors in living spaces.
- Never sleeping in a room with a burning charcoal fire.
