Generator fumes suffocate family of 6 in Rivers community
Tragedy struck Ogale community in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State after a couple and their four children were found dead in their home, allegedly due to inhalation of generator fumes.
The victims were reportedly discovered on Sunday morning after neighbours became alarmed when the family failed to respond to repeated calls. Preliminary findings indicated that a power generator had been left running overnight inside the house, leading to the buildup of toxic fumes.
A community source said the family had been preparing to return to Port Harcourt after the holiday period when the incident occurred. The victims were found lifeless in different parts of the apartment, sparking grief and shock across the neighbourhood.
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Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Rivers State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, said investigations had commenced to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths. She disclosed that the generator was allegedly kept inside the living room because the family feared it could be stolen if left outside.
“The generator was reportedly inside the house and running throughout the night. Investigation is ongoing,” the police spokesperson said.
The incident has renewed calls for public awareness on the dangers of operating generators in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces, especially amid frequent power outages.
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Residents of the community described the tragedy as devastating, urging authorities and health officials to intensify sensitisation campaigns to prevent similar occurrences.
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