NEW DELHI, Jan 17 (NNN-PTI) – At least 20 people were killed in the Indian capital Delhi and outskirts, due to the burning of coal braziers in closed spaces, officials said yesterday.
The primary cause of these deaths was suffocation, resulting from the inhalation of toxic fumes emitted by the coal braziers.
“In the last 15 days, around 10-12 people have died in Delhi alone. If you include the National Capital Region, then the death toll is more than 20,” Director of Delhi Fire Services, Atul Garg said. “This is unfortunate. Such deaths can be avoided. But I think people don’t have awareness about it.”
Garg said, burning braziers and heaters in airtight rooms consumes oxygen.
“The oxygen level drops gradually and the level of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide goes up. This is the reason people die while they are asleep,” he said.
Garg said, there was a need to take precautions to avoid such deaths.
As northern India is in the grip of a cold wave, people use various means to keep warm.– NNN-PTI
