Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba,Midlands Bureau
A TRAGEDY has rocked Mabasa Village in Zvishavane after five family members died in their sleep from suspected carbon dioxide poisoning caused by a burning charcoal fire they had lit to keep warm.
The horrific incident occurred in Chief Masunda’s area. THE family went to bed with the charcoal stove glowing — but never woke up.
Zvishavane District Development Coordinator Mr Darlington Chokera confirmed the incident, describing it as a heartbreaking loss for the community.
“We understand five people died at a homestead in the Mabasa area. The police have gone to attend the scene and we will get more details soon,” he said.
Preliminary reports suggest the victims inhaled lethal fumes overnight in an unventilated room as temperatures dipped.
The bodies have since been ferried to Zvishavane District Hospital for postmortem.
Residents have been left in shock, with many now calling for awareness campaigns about the dangers of using charcoal stoves indoors.
Police are continuing investigations into the incident.
Synonyms for “fumes”exhaustexhaust fumesreleasefumesmokeeffluviumexhaust emissionsexhaust gascombustion gaseswaste gases
Mathew Masinge