An Angolan immigrant couple and their two children, aged 4 and 7, died at home in Vilar Formoso, in the room where they slept, poisoned by a stove that was heating the room.
Joana and Francolino Fernandes, and their children Artur and José, were no longer seen for a few days, and ended up being found dead, in the house where they lived in , in the municipality of Almeida, in Guarda.
It was Francolino’s cousin who alerted the authorities. They were eventually found dead on Tuesday morning.
Authorities believe they were victims of carbon monoxide poisoning.
“A fire pit that was there, with remains of embers, and that was possibly what released enough carbon monoxide to take the lives of these people”, says the local fire commander, Francisco Martins.
The Judiciary Police are investigating, as is customary in these circumstances. The autopsy will be essential to confirm the cause of death.
A gas that has no odor and can be fatal
The is a toxic, colorless and odorless gaswhich can be extremely dangerous when inhaled. It is produced by the incomplete combustion of fuels such as coal, firewood, oil, gasoline, diesel, natural gas, butane and propane.
Inhaling carbon monoxide can cause symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness and, in severe cases, loss of consciousness and death.
Combustion appliances, such as water heaters, boilers, stoves and space heaters, can produce carbon monoxide if installed incorrectly, poorly adjusted or in poor condition. poor state of conservation.
The use of braziers, charcoal grills, fireplaces and stoves in poorly ventilated placescan also lead to the accumulation of this gas.
How to prevent accidents
It is important to maintain housing well ventilatedwith the air inlets unobstructed.
Likewise, it is essential to carry out periodic maintenance of combustion appliances in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and, in the case of gas appliances, by accredited companies.
Also request periodic inspections to gas installations and ensure that combustion appliances are repaired by qualified professionals.
You can also install carbon monoxide detectors close to combustion appliances, to ensure that any leaks are noticed in a timely manner.
If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, immediately ventilate the area, turn off all combustion appliances, remove the victim to fresh air, and contact a Poison Information Center (808 250 143)or call 112 in more serious cases.
