Charcoal smoke takes lives in Karnataka; three youths die of suffocation in Belagavi, one in critical condition

BELAGAVI: Three out of four youths who were sleeping with a charcoal fire in their room to protect themselves from the cold have died of suffocation. The condition of the fourth man is critical. The people who died are Rehan (22), Moin Nalabanda (23), and Sarfraz Harpanahalli (22). The man in critical condition is Shahanawaz (19).

The group had returned home after participating in an event. Due to the increasing cold in Belagavi, a charcoal fire was kept running to keep the room warm. The youths went to sleep after closing the windows and doors to escape the cold. However, the room filled with smoke as the charcoal fire died out, and the group developed breathing problems. It is said that the youths may have died due to a lack of oxygen caused by the smoke.

The police of Malmaruti police station rushed to the spot as soon as they received the information and conducted an investigation. Local MLA Asif Sait also visited the spot and expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased. A case has been registered at Malmaruti police station in this regard.

The bodies of the three have been shifted to the morgue. The post-mortem examination is likely to be conducted tonight. The police have taken samples of the charcoal and ash from the room.