A couple in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, tragically lost their lives after inhaling toxic fumes from a power generator. The victims reportedly left the generator running overnight in an enclosed space. Authorities confirm carbon monoxide poisoning as the likely cause, urging residents to use generators safely to prevent similar incidents.
A young couple in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, was found dead in their apartment on Saturday morning after inhaling generator fumes. The tragic incident occurred in a residential building where the couple had placed their power generator in a poorly ventilated passageway outside their room.
According to neighbors, the couple had been using the generator due to a power outage and left it running overnight. When they failed to emerge the next morning, concerned co-tenants knocked on their door but received no response. Suspecting something was wrong, they forced the door open and discovered the lifeless bodies of the man and his girlfriend.
Residents quickly alerted the police, who arrived at the scene to assess the situation. Rivers State Police Command spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the deaths, stating that preliminary investigations suggest carbon monoxide poisoning. She urged the public to take precautions when using generators, emphasizing the dangers of inhaling toxic fumes in enclosed spaces.
This incident adds to the growing number of generator-related deaths across Nigeria, where power supply issues force many to rely on fuel-powered generators. Experts warn that carbon monoxide is a silent killer, as it has no smell or color, making it difficult to detect before it becomes fatal.
Authorities continue to stress the importance of placing generators outdoors in well-ventilated areas to prevent similar tragedies. Meanwhile, the bodies of the deceased have been taken to a morgue for further investigation.
