By CHUKWUMA OFILLI
Tragedy struck the Ogale community in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State after a family of six, including both parents and their children, was found dead in what authorities suspect was inhalation of generator fumes.
The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed that it has opened a full investigation into the heartbreaking incident, which reportedly occurred overnight and was discovered on Sunday morning, sending shockwaves across the community.
Neighbours Raise Alarm After Silent Night
According to information gathered from residents, the family’s generator was reportedly running throughout the night and into the early hours of Sunday before neighbours became alarmed by the unusual silence from the household.
Residents raised concern after repeated attempts to get a response from the family failed. When the house was eventually accessed, all six members of the household were found unresponsive in different parts of the residence.
A community source, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, described the incident as devastating.
“They were found in different positions inside the house. This is a very painful and unfortunate incident. We are calling on the police to thoroughly investigate what happened,” the source said.
Family Was Preparing to Return to Port Harcourt
Further details revealed that the family had been preparing to return to Port Harcourt after spending the holidays in Ogale when the tragedy occurred.
According to residents, nothing unusual was noticed prior to the incident, and there were no reports of illness or distress involving any member of the family before that night.
This detail has further deepened the shock within the community, as many described the family as peaceful and focused on their plans for the coming week.
Incident First Surfaced on Social Media
The tragedy first gained public attention after a Facebook user, Destiny John, posted about the incident, describing the day as a “black Sunday.”
“A black Sunday indeed. Six died on the spot. How will I explain that an entire family died in Ogale today? No sickness. Oh God, let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end,” the post read.
The post quickly circulated online, drawing widespread reactions and renewed conversations about the dangers of generator usage in residential areas.
Police Confirm Generator Was Inside Living Room
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Rivers State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, said preliminary findings indicate that the generator was placed inside the living room.
“Yes, I can confirm the incident,” Iringe-Koko told journalists on Monday afternoon.
“From the information available to me, the generator was kept inside the living room because the family feared it might be stolen if left outside. Investigation is ongoing,” she added.
The police spokesperson did not disclose further details but assured the public that a comprehensive inquiry was underway to establish the full circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Renewed Safety Concerns Over Generator Use
The incident has once again highlighted growing concerns about generator safety, especially in communities where power supply remains unstable and residents rely heavily on alternative electricity sources.
Safety experts have repeatedly warned against operating generators indoors or in poorly ventilated spaces due to the risk of toxic fumes, urging residents to prioritize ventilation and proper placement.
In Ogale, residents say the tragedy has left the community shaken and more aware of the dangers associated with everyday coping measures for electricity shortages.
“This should never happen again. We need more awareness. Many people are just trying to protect their generators from theft without knowing the risks,” a resident said.
Police Assure Thorough Investigation
The Rivers State Police Command has assured the public that the investigation will cover all angles, including generator placement, ventilation, and other environmental factors.
Authorities also urged residents to remain calm and avoid speculation as investigations continue.
As the community mourns, the family of six die from generator fumes in Rivers incident stands as a grim reminder of the hidden dangers linked to household power alternatives and the urgent need for improved electricity supply and public safety education.
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