Surat Family Found Dead in Apartment, Gas Geyser Blamed
In a heartbreaking incident in Surat, a couple and their teenage son were discovered deceased at their residence on Tuesday, according to the Lalgate police. Authorities have pointed to asphyxiation caused by a gas-fired geyser as the likely reason for the tragic deaths.
Details of the Deceased and Incident
The victims have been identified as Saiyed Faiz, aged 40, his wife Mubina, 35, and their son Noman, 13. They lived in an apartment located on Soi street in the Haripura area of Surat. Faiz was involved in a chemical trading business with his two brothers, and the family had recently returned from a pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.
Police Inspector N M Chaudhary of the Lalgate station provided insights into the scene. "The family resided on the third floor of the building. Upon inspecting the bedroom, we found a gas geyser installed, with its connection extending to the attached bathroom. The geyser was found to be operational at the time of discovery," he stated. Medical professionals at the New Civil Hospital confirmed that asphyxiation is the primary cause of death based on initial examinations.
Discovery and Investigation
The tragedy came to light when Noman's cousin, Khalil, arrived at the apartment to take him to a madrasa. After receiving no response to repeated knocks and phone calls, Khalil returned home and informed his father. Faiz's brother, Usman Saiyed, then rushed to the spot and, with assistance, forced open the door to find the bodies lying on the floor.
A police team promptly arrived and conducted an initial investigation. No signs of struggle, injury, or poison consumption were observed on the bodies, according to police sources. A forensics team was dispatched to collect samples for further analysis, and the bodies were sent to the New Civil Hospital for a detailed post-mortem examination to confirm the exact cause of death.
Safety Concerns and Community Impact
This incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of gas geysers in residential settings. Asphyxiation from such appliances can occur due to improper ventilation or malfunctioning equipment, leading to carbon monoxide poisoning or oxygen depletion. Authorities are urging residents to ensure proper installation and regular maintenance of gas appliances to prevent similar tragedies.
The local community in Surat has been left in shock by the sudden loss of the family. Neighbors and relatives described the Saiyeds as a close-knit and well-regarded family, adding to the sorrow surrounding this event. Police continue to investigate the matter thoroughly, with results from the post-mortem and forensic tests awaited to provide conclusive evidence.
