Five Dead in Zvishavane After Lighting Indoor Charcoal Brazier
n Five Dead in Zvishavane After ..Mbaura accident n nn n By Delicious Mathuthu n nn n Zvishavane - A tragic accident at Gudhuza Village has claimed the lives of five family members after they brought a charcoal brazier (mbaura/imbawula) int
anostrofy Five Dead in Zvishavane After ..Mbaura accident
By Delicious Mathuthu
Zvishavane - A tragic accident at Gudhuza Village has claimed the lives of five family members after they brought a charcoal brazier (mbaura/imbawula) into their bedroom to stay warm overnight, Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi has confirmed.
The victims, Jeremiah Simango (42), John Ncube (57), Nigel Ncube, Denzel Simango (15) and Joedire Simango (8), were found dead at their home and taken to Zvishavane District Hospital Mortuary, where post‑mortems have been conducted.
Research shows that burning charcoal in enclosed spaces produces carbon monoxide (CO), a colourless and odourless gas that binds to hemoglobin (proteins in red blood cells that carry oxygen) in the bloodstream, blocking oxygen delivery and causing rapid suffocation.
Experts warn that even small amounts of indoor charcoal burning can generate lethal CO levels within minutes.
Under poor ventilation, just 1 kg of charcoal briquettes in a typical room can raise CO levels to neurotoxic and fatal concentrations, research says.
Safety experts also warn that people should never burn charcoal inside homes, vehicles or tents and simply opening a window does not make it safe.
Key dangers of indoor charcoal brazier use include the risk of rapid unconsciousness and death during sleep, as with the Zvishavane five case, as CO builds up undetected.
Victims can lose consciousness and die without ever experiencing symptoms.
The symptoms of CO poisoning, such as headache, dizziness, nausea and confusion, mimic flu or gas leaks and are often not recognized until it is too late.
Research also says even upon rescue, survivors may suffer brain, cardiac and neurological injury due to prolonged oxygen deprivation.
Such incidences are not unique to Zimbabwe as, globally, many families have suffered CO poisoning from indoor coal or charcoal heating.
Australia has reported similar incidencies where families are poisoned while in South Asia, “angithis”, traditional coal braziers, cause seasonal mass poisoning and deaths from indoor use.
Closer to home, Zambia and South Africa have also warned, through social media posts and safety pages, against indoor brazier use.
