Gladness Gideon
The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the death of a couple in Port Harcourt Township, suspected to have succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning from a generator placed inside their apartment.
Police spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, revealing that the incident occurred over the weekend. According to her, neighbors became alarmed when the couple failed to emerge from their home on Saturday morning. After repeated knocks went unanswered, they forced their way in and discovered the lifeless bodies.
“The case was reported at the Central Police Station in Port Harcourt, and preliminary investigations suggest the victims may have inhaled toxic fumes from a generator they kept indoors,” Iringe-Koko stated.
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Eyewitnesses claim the couple had turned on the generator inside their apartment during a power outage amid heavy rainfall on Friday night. One resident suggested they may have believed placing the generator in the passageway would prevent harm.
Following police confirmation, medical experts have reiterated warnings on the dangers of carbon monoxide exposure. Dr. Chinazor Offor, a Port Harcourt-based medical practitioner, explained that inhaling the gas for even a few minutes can lead to respiratory failure and death.
Authorities are urging residents to observe generator safety measures by ensuring proper ventilation and keeping the devices away from enclosed spaces to prevent further tragedies.