Authorities in Rivers State have confirmed the unfortunate death of a couple in Port Harcourt, reportedly caused by inhaling generator fumes inside their residence.
The victims, whose names have not been made public, had placed a generator in the passage of their home during a power outage and heavy rainfall, believing the fumes would not reach their bedroom.
However, the toxic gas proved deadly.
A concerned neighbor, identified as Mr. James, recounted that residents became alarmed when the couple failed to emerge from their home by late Saturday morning.
After knocking several times without a response, they forced their way inside and discovered the couple unconscious.
The incident was immediately reported to the Central Police Station in Port Harcourt.
Confirming the cause of death, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, stated that carbon monoxide poisoning was responsible. The bodies have since been transported to a morgue.
Medical expert Dr. Chinazor Offor warned about the dangers of carbon monoxide, explaining that the gas replaces oxygen in the bloodstream, leading to respiratory failure and cardiac arrest within minutes.
She advised that generators should always be placed far from living spaces to prevent exposure to toxic fumes.