A tragic incident shook Chhapra city late Friday night, highlighting the dangers of indoor fires during winter. Four members of the same family died due to suffocation while trying to protect themselves from severe cold. Three other family members are currently undergoing treatment and remain in critical condition. The incident occurred in Ambika Colony under the Bhagwan Bazar police station area.
Family Found Unconscious Inside the House
According to initial information, the family had lit a fire inside their house to stay warm during the cold night. After lighting the fire, all members went to sleep. By morning, the situation had turned fatal. Smoke from the burning fire filled the house, leading to the spread of carbon monoxide gas. As a result, several family members lost consciousness.
When relatives and neighbors noticed no movement in the house, they rushed inside. Some family members were found dead, while others were lying unconscious. All of them were immediately taken to the Chhapra Sadar Hospital for emergency treatment.
Victims Identified, Children Among the Dead
Doctors at the hospital declared four people dead on arrival. The deceased were identified as 70-year-old Kamalawati Devi, four-year-old Adhyay, three-year-old Tejash, and seven-month-old Gudiya Kumari. The deaths of three young children have left the entire neighborhood in shock.
Three other family members, Amit Kumar, Anjali, and Amisha, were admitted to the hospital. Their condition is said to be serious. Medical teams are monitoring them closely.
It was also revealed that Kamalawati Devi had recently arrived in Chhapra from Banaras in Uttar Pradesh. She was staying with her relatives during the winter season when the incident occurred.
Carbon Monoxide Exposure Caused Deaths
Preliminary investigation suggests that carbon monoxide gas was the primary cause of suffocation. The fire was lit inside a closed space with inadequate ventilation. As the fire continued burning overnight, smoke accumulated inside the room. Carbon monoxide, which is colorless and odorless, spread throughout the house unnoticed.
Experts explain that prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide can cause dizziness, unconsciousness, and death. Since the family was asleep, they failed to sense any danger. By the time help arrived, it was too late for four of them.
Similar Incident Reported Earlier in Gaya
This is not the first such incident reported in Bihar during the winter season. A similar tragedy occurred a week earlier in Gaya district. In the Wazirganj area, a grandmother and her grandson died after sleeping in a room where a fire was lit for warmth.
In that case, the room had only one window. It was covered with plastic sheets to block cold air. This prevented smoke from escaping. Carbon monoxide accumulated inside the room, leading to their deaths. These repeated incidents underline the serious risks associated with indoor fires during winter.
Winter Cold Increases Risk of Indoor Fire Accidents
As temperatures drop sharply across Bihar, many families rely on traditional methods to stay warm. Fires lit in angithi, borsi, or makeshift hearths are commonly used in homes. However, lack of awareness and safety precautions often turns these practices deadly.
In rural and semi-urban areas, people frequently light fires inside closed rooms. Windows and doors are kept shut to prevent cold air. This creates a dangerous environment where toxic gases cannot escape.
Health experts warn that carbon monoxide poisoning cases rise every winter. Many victims are children and elderly people, who are more vulnerable to toxic exposure.
Police and Administration Take Stock
Local police reached the spot soon after the incident was reported. The bodies were sent for postmortem examination. Officials are questioning family members and neighbors to understand the exact sequence of events.
The district administration has expressed concern over recurring winter-related accidents. Authorities are urging people to follow safety guidelines while using fires for warmth. Awareness campaigns may be intensified to prevent further loss of life.
Medical Warning on Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Doctors at Chhapra Sadar Hospital stated that carbon monoxide poisoning often shows mild symptoms initially. These include headache, nausea, and dizziness. In severe cases, it can lead to loss of consciousness and death.
Since the gas has no smell or color, victims are usually unaware of exposure. Sleeping in rooms with burning coal or wood significantly increases risk. Medical professionals advise immediate ventilation and medical attention if exposure is suspected.
Need for Awareness During Severe Winter
The incident has once again raised questions about public awareness regarding winter safety. Many families are unaware of the dangers posed by indoor fires. Economic limitations also force people to use unsafe heating methods.
Social workers emphasize that even a small fire can turn fatal if basic precautions are ignored. Proper ventilation is essential whenever a fire is lit indoors. Doors or windows should remain partially open to allow smoke to escape.
Community in Mourning
Residents of Ambika Colony are deeply affected by the tragedy. Neighbors described the family as quiet and close-knit. The sudden loss of three children and an elderly woman has left the area in grief.
Many locals gathered outside the house throughout the day. They demanded stronger awareness drives by authorities to prevent such incidents. Community members also appealed for support to the surviving family members.
A Preventable Tragedy
This incident in Chhapra serves as a painful reminder of the dangers associated with indoor fires during winter. Experts believe the tragedy could have been avoided with basic safety measures. Proper ventilation and avoiding sleeping near burning fires are critical steps.
As Bihar continues to face harsh cold conditions, authorities and citizens alike must remain cautious. Preventive awareness and responsible practices are essential to ensure that winter warmth does not turn into a deadly threat.
The Chhapra tragedy stands as a warning for families across the region. Staying warm should never come at the cost of life.
