One dead, six hospitalised after inhaling carbon monoxide in Dharwad

A 27-year old Nepali youth died and six others were hospitalised after reportedly inhaling carbon monoxide while in sleep in a closed room in Dharwad. Three of them are said to be in critical condition.

The incident, which occurred at Sai Darshan Nagar in Dharwad came to light on Saturday after one of their colleagues visited their room to check after repeated phone calls went unanswered. On peeping through the window, he found them unconscious and they were immediately rushed to the district hospital.

The deceased has been identified as Bibek (27), a native of Nepal. The injured Naresh (45), Nitesh (18), Dikesh (40), Sudhan (30), Kumar (50) and Lakshman (30) are now being treated at the district hospital and three of them are in Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

According to the police, all seven youths worked at a momo outlet near K C Park and were residing together at a rented room in Sai Darshan Nagar. After work on Friday night, they had prepared barbecue chicken on the terrace and had brought the burning charcoal embers down to the room to keep themselves warm.

As all doors and windows were shut, there was no ventilation in the room. The carbon monoxide released from the burning charcoal accumulated overnight, leading to poisoning, sources said.

Hubballi–Dharwad Police Commissioner N. Shashikumar who visited the spot, said that a detailed investigation would be conducted. Vidyagiri Station Police have registered a case.