Cold spell: 3 die from carbon monoxide poisoning

Fairness Moyana in Hwange
THE cold spell that has been experienced across the country since last week has indirectly resulted in the death of three people in Dete, Hwange District who reportedly succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning after they used a brazier to warm themselves.

Police said they were now investigating the matter which led to the death of Sean Chinemushonga (18), Nyasha Tore (19) and Witness Ashley (22) in a tent at Hwange Horse Back Safari, Miombo. The three were reportedly tour guide students. It is suspected that they might have suffocated because of carbon monoxide since they had used a brazier for warmth overnight.

A brazier (imbawula) is a portable heater consisting of a pan or stand for holding lighted coal mostly charcoal for cooking or heating. Matabeleland North police spokesperson Inspector Glory Banda confirmed the incident which took place on 27 June.

“I can confirm that we are investigating circumstances surrounding the deaths of Sean Chinemushonga, Nyasha Tore and Witness Ashley who died while sleeping in a canvass tent in Dete. On 26 June 2022, the trio retired to bed in a canvas tent at Hwange Horse Back Safari, Miombo, Dete. The following day at around 3am one of them woke up and took a brazier which they placed inside the tent for warmth. The tent did not have vents or windows for ventilation and was closed using a zip,” said Insp Banda.

He said around 6am the same day, their colleague who was occupying another tent, tried to awaken them but there was no response.

“He then opened the tent and observed that the three were not showing any signs of life. Police in Dete attended the scene and no injuries were observed. The bodies were taken to Hwange Colliery Hospital mortuary for post-mortem.”

Insp Banda appealed to members of the public to ensure that they have enough ventilation in the room whenever they are using braziers for warmth, especially overnight. The incident, which has shaken the community of Dete and the tourism industry, comes as the country has been experiencing a cold spell in which some parts have received light rains.

The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has warned that the cold spell could cause respiratory illness with minors and the elderly at high risk while urging members of the public to wear warm clothes. However, some people resort to using braziers indoors whose carbon monoxide poisons inhabitants and in some cases killing whole families through suffocation.

This is due to the fact that carbon monoxide spreads in the house much faster than anticipated by many at the expense of oxygen, especially in less ventilated rooms.