Police in Rivers State have confirmed the death of a couple in Port Harcourt, believed to have succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning after inhaling generator fumes inside their apartment.
The couple, whose identities have not been disclosed, reportedly kept a generator in the passage of their home during a power outage and heavy rainfall, assuming it would not affect them in their bedroom. Unfortunately, the toxic fumes proved fatal.
According to a resident, Mr. James, neighbors grew concerned when the couple remained unresponsive well into Saturday morning. After multiple knocks went unanswered, they forced their way in and found the lifeless bodies.
The incident was promptly reported to the Central Police Station in Port Harcourt.
SP Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, confirmed that carbon monoxide poisoning was responsible for the deaths, and the bodies have since been taken to a morgue.
Dr. Chinazor Offor, a medical expert based in Port Harcourt, explained that carbon monoxide replaces oxygen in the bloodstream, leading to respiratory failure and cardiac arrest within minutes.
She emphasized the dangers of running generators near living spaces and advised that they should always be placed at a safe distance from homes to prevent such tragedies.
