A tragic incident in Kurukshetra has claimed the lives of five migrant workers, who were found dead in a resort room on Tuesday morning. The preliminary investigation by police points to asphyxiation from carbon monoxide poisoning, likely caused by fumes from a coal brazier they kept burning overnight in the sealed room.
Sealed Room and a Deadly Mistake
The group, all hailing from Saharanpur district in Uttar Pradesh, had arrived at the resort just the evening before. They were hired as painters and were provided on-site accommodation. According to Thanesar City Station House Officer (SHO) Dinesh Singh, the men lit a fire using a coal brazier to keep warm and subsequently closed all the doors and windows of the room. This fatal decision trapped the toxic, odorless carbon monoxide gas inside.
"Our staff came to check in the morning as they did not answer the door," stated Upender, an employee at the resort. "When no one responded to knocking, we immediately alerted the police. Upon entering, we found coal embers still burning in an iron pan inside."
Victims Identified, Investigation Ongoing
The police have identified the deceased. Four of the victims—Roshan, Noor, Sonu, and Madan—were residents of Shekhpura Qadima in Saharanpur. The fifth victim has been named as Ram Kumar from Saharanpur town. Among them was a contractor leading the painting job, accompanied by four workers.
SHO Dinesh Singh confirmed that the bodies have been sent for a post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death, though all evidence strongly suggests death by asphyxia. The room showed no signs of struggle or foul play, reinforcing the accidental poisoning theory.
A Recurring Winter Hazard
This heartbreaking event highlights a recurring and preventable danger during the winter months, especially for migrant laborers and daily wage workers living in temporary, often poorly ventilated accommodations. The use of coal braziers (angithi) or makeshift heaters in enclosed spaces is a known lethal risk.
The incident underscores the urgent need for awareness about the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning and the critical importance of proper ventilation when using any form of indoor heating. The local authorities in Kurukshetra are continuing their investigation into the precise circumstances of this avoidable tragedy.
