Tragic Death of Couple in Rivers: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning from Generator Fumes
The Rivers State Police have confirmed a tragic incident involving the death of a couple who succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning after using a generator indoors. The couple, who have not yet been identified, were found lifeless in their apartment in the Port Harcourt Township area.
Eyewitness James recounted the harrowing details to Star Reporters on Wednesday. He explained that the couple decided to power their generator inside their home due to a power outage and heavy rainfall that night, placing it in the corridor of their apartment in the misguided belief that they would be safe from the fumes in their bedroom.
Concern arose among neighbors when the couple failed to emerge from their room by late Saturday morning. After repeated knocks went unanswered, co-tenants felt compelled to break into the apartment, only to discover the lifeless bodies of the couple.
The incident was promptly reported to the Central Police Station in Port Harcourt Township, where authorities confirmed that both individuals died as a result of inhaling toxic generator fumes. SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the spokesperson for the Police Command, stated that the corpses have been transported to the morgue.
In light of this incident, Dr. Chinazor Offor, a medical practitioner based in Port Harcourt, shed light on the dangers of carbon monoxide exposure. “Carbon monoxide binds with hemoglobin in the blood, displacing oxygen and leading to heart and respiratory failure,” she warned. “Even a brief exposure of five to fifteen minutes can cause the heart to stop pumping effectively, adversely affecting the brain and respiratory system.”
Dr. Offor urged the public to take precautions regarding generator use, emphasizing the importance of positioning generators away from living spaces to prevent direct exposure to hazardous fumes.
This tragic event serves as a dire reminder of the dangers associated with using generators indoors and the critical need for public awareness regarding carbon monoxide poisoning prevention. The Rivers State community is left mourning the loss of two lives, urging everyone to prioritize safety in emergency situations.