Two dead after inhaling toxic fumes

KARACHI: Two men were killed, while three others fainted after inhaling poisonous fumes near Allama Iqbal Road in PECHS on Saturday.

Acid was reportedly poured to clear the choked gutter line of a watchman's washroom inside the vicinity of a residential project. As a result, hazardous gases were emitted and accumulated in the washroom. When the guard, 50-year-old Yasin, went in to perform ablution, he fainted after inhaling the fumes.

A plumber, identified as Zaheer, 38, and three others also ended up losing consciousness when they tried to rescue Yasin.

Passersby informed the police and rescue sources about the incident, upon which officials from Ferozabad police station arrived and shifted all five men to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC).

JPMC executive director Dr Seemin Jamali stated that Zaheer and Yasin passed away before reaching the hospital, while Hammad, 38, Jannat Gul, 40, and Hanif were unconscious on arrival. Medical aid was provided to the unconscious men and they were out of danger, she added.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 16^th, 2020.