Two kids among four of family die of asphyxiation in Patiala

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Patiala, January 16

Four members of a family, including two children, died after inhaling toxic fumes originating from a coal brazier that was kept inside the room on Monday night.

Due to intense cold, they closed the window and lit the coal brazier, said the police. The incident happened at Markan Colony in Patiala city.

The deceased have been identified as Shahbaz Khan, 30, his wife Zarina, 26, a five-year-old Ruqiyya and three-year-old Armaan.

The police have sent the bodies for the post-mortem examination.

“Four people were found unconscious inside the room. Prima facie, it appears that all four died due to suffocation,” said Kotwali SHO Sukhwinder Singh.

“It seems the family lit a coal brazier and went to sleep in their one-room rented accommodation after closing the window. Around 10 pm on Monday night, children of neighbours informed their parents that the door was locked. Later, the door was broke open and all the family members were found unconscious,” said the SHO.

Khan worked at a nearby firm which supplied RO water and was staying at this accommodation for the past few years. “Further probe is underway. A case has been registered under Section 174 of the CrPC,” said the police.