Son dies of asphyxiation, mother hospitalised

Kulgam, Jan 4: A young man died and his mother is in critical condition after they were found unconscious due to inhaling toxic fumes from a charcoal fire used for heating in Guddar village of south Kashmir’s Kulgam district, officials said on Saturday.
An official said that the deceased, identified as Danish Ahmad Khan, and his mother, Fameeda Akhter, residents of Guddar village, were found unconscious on Thursday. They had inhaled toxic fumes emitted from a charcoal fire used for heating.
The duo was rushed to GMC Anantnag and later referred to SKIMS Soura for advanced treatment. Despite medical attention, Danish succumbed to the effects of asphyxiation on Saturday morning, while his mother remains in critical condition and is undergoing intensive care at the hospital.
This is the second such incident reported in Kulgam district within a week. Earlier, a two-year-old girl lost her life, and three family members were hospitalized at District Hospital Kulgam due to suffocation. In another incident, three people died in Bhaderwah under similar circumstances.
In light of the rising cases of asphyxiation, the Critical Care Department at Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura, issued a public advisory, warning about the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning. “Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless, and tasteless gas that can be deadly if inhaled in large amounts,” the advisory stated.
The hospital’s Critical Care Department has issued safety tips like installing carbon monoxide detectors, especially near sleeping areas, avoiding using charcoal heaters, gas geysers, or generators indoors, ensuring proper ventilation in spaces with fuel-burning appliances, regularly maintaining chimneys, vents and heating systems, and never leaving vehicles running in enclosed spaces like garages.
In case of carbon monoxide poisoning, the persons are advised to evacuate to fresh air immediately, seek emergency medical help and not re-enter the affected area until it is declared safe by professionals. (KNO)