Tragic Charcoal Stove Accident Claims Three Lives in Andhra Pradesh Village
In a heartbreaking incident, three members of a family were discovered deceased under suspicious circumstances at their residence in Vanaja village, Jiyyammavalasa mandal, Parvathipuram Manyam district on Friday. A fourth family member, their young daughter, was found in critical condition and is currently receiving intensive medical treatment at a hospital.
Victims Identified and Family Background
The deceased have been identified as M Madhu Kumar (35), his wife Satyavathi, and their four-year-old son Moshe. Their daughter Ayesha was found unconscious at the scene and was promptly rushed to KG Hospital in Visakhapatnam for advanced medical care.
Madhu, who worked as a mason, had been married to Satyavathi for approximately 15 years. The couple was blessed with four children—three daughters and one son. Two of their elder daughters were residing at a residential school in Chinamerangi for their studies, while Madhu, his wife, and the two younger children lived together in their Vanaja village home.
Initial Suspicions and Police Investigation
Concerned neighbours became suspicious when the family failed to wake up or emerge from their home until late morning. Upon entering the house, they were met with the tragic sight of three family members deceased and young Ayesha lying unconscious on the floor.
While local residents initially speculated about the possibility of suicide, police authorities have definitively ruled out that angle after preliminary investigation. Law enforcement officials have confirmed that the deaths were accidental in nature.
Cause of the Tragedy Revealed
The preliminary investigation indicates that the family succumbed to suffocation after inhaling toxic smoke from a charcoal stove that had been left burning overnight. The family had apparently been using the stove, locally known as a kumpati, to combat the winter cold inside their closed room which had poor ventilation.
Police have identified the use of the coal stove in an inadequately ventilated, enclosed space as the suspected primary cause of this devastating incident. The dangerous combination of burning charcoal in a confined area created lethal carbon monoxide levels that proved fatal to the sleeping family members.
Safety Warnings Issued
In the wake of this tragedy, authorities have issued urgent warnings to villagers and residents across the region. Police and local officials are strongly advising people to avoid using coal stoves indoors during winter months, particularly in rooms with insufficient ventilation.
This tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder of the potential dangers associated with traditional heating methods in poorly ventilated spaces. Community leaders are expected to launch awareness campaigns about winter safety precautions to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
