Family of 5 dies of suffocation in Pandrethan

Srinagar, Jan 5: Five members of a family from the Uri Gangyal area of Baramulla lost their lives due to suffocation in the Pandrethan, Panthachowk area on the outskirts of Srinagar late Saturday night.

The victims, including the family head, his wife, and their three young children, were found dead in their rented accommodation Sunday evening.

The deceased were identified as Ajaz Ahmad Bhat, 40, son of Ghulam Rasool Bhat, along with his wife and their three children.

According to the Police, the family had been residing in a rented house in Pandrethan, Panthachowk.

The children have been identified as Hamza, Areeb, and a one-month-old infant.

Bhat was working as a chef in a hotel in Srinagar.

The incident came to light when neighbours noticed that the family had not come out of their house throughout the day.

Concerned about their well-being, they alerted the authorities, which led to a Police team arriving at the residence.

A senior Police officer on the scene said that the bodies were found inside the house and it appeared they had passed away Saturday night.

“The family did not step out the entire day. When alerted by the neighbours, we immediately reached the location, and after entering the house, we discovered all five dead,” the officer said. “It appears they succumbed to suffocation during the night. Our investigation is ongoing, and we are gathering all details.”

The officer said that they might have been exposed to a dangerous combination of heating devices and improper ventilation during the cold winter night. He said the FSL team had also arrived at the spot to collect the samples for investigation. Kashmir is currently experiencing severe cold with temperatures dropping well below freezing, making it common among families to use heating appliances to keep warm.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed grief over the loss of lives in the incident.

In a condolence message, the LG said, “Saddened by the loss of precious lives in a tragic incident in Srinagar. My deepest condolences to the bereaved family in this hour of grief.”

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed grief and sorrow over the incident.

CM Omar conveyed his deepest condolences to the bereaved relatives, praying for strength and patience to help them cope with this irreparable loss.

Praying for the departed souls, he urged people to exercise utmost caution while using heating gadgets during the harsh winter months.

The CM emphasised the importance of adhering to government-issued advisories on the safe use of heating equipment to prevent such tragic incidents.