Tragedy struck a family in Nkwele Ezunaka, near Onitsha, Anambra State, as a middle-aged man, his wife, and their two children tragically lost their lives due to inhaling fumes from a power generating set at their residence.
The devastating incident also claimed the lives of the mother-in-law and an apprentice who were sleeping in the same building.
The man, identified as Ifeanyi from Enugu state, worked as a trader at Onitsha Bridge Head Market. He had planned a heartwarming surprise for his wife, who had recently given birth to a baby.
The surprise involved moving into a new apartment to mark the joyous occasion of their newborn’s arrival and their new home together.
Sadly, the night they moved into the new apartment to celebrate both the baby’s birth and their new life in the mansion turned into a night of tragedy when the family and their loved ones unknowingly succumbed to the lethal fumes from the power generator.
The entire community was left in shock and grief as they mourned the loss of these precious lives.
The source said: “The entire members of the family were enjoying themselves when suddenly there was a power outage. The man had to put on the generating set stationed at the veranda close to the bedroom.
“The celebration continued into the night before they all slept off and didn’t remember to put off the generating set.
“The next morning, a friend who was to join them in the celebration but was unable to, went to felicitate with them only to discover that the doors were locked with the generator still on.
“After knocking continuously without response, he alerted other neighbours who forced the door open and saw their bodies.”
The Nation was informed that upon being rushed to Borromeo Hospital, the wife and one of the daughters remained unconscious. Despite attempts to revive them, including providing oxygen support, both tragically passed away.
“It was only the four-day old baby that survived without any crisis which raised more curiosity on the circumstances of the death of others,” the source said.
The Manager of St. Charles Borromeo Hospital in Onitsha, Rev. Fr. Izunna Okonkwo, confirmed that upon their arrival at the hospital, only the newborn was found to be in stable condition.
Regrettably, the other four individuals had already succumbed to their conditions before reaching the facility.
Police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, corroborated the report, expressing his sadness at the situation. The circumstances surrounding the deaths remain unknown at this time.
“Yes, the unfortunate incident happened and we are yet to unravel the circumstances surrounding their death.
“The Commissioner of Police directed the Divisional Police Officer in the area to find out what happened.
“The information he gathered shows it happened and the particular house has been identified while the inquiry is still ongoing.”