Kavish Baldeo, 44, and Anban Pillay, 48, two friends from Durban, died from carbon monoxide poisoning after using a gas heater to keep warm while camping at the AfrikaBurn festival in Ceres, Western Cape. The friends, who had been friends for over 30 years, were found dead in their tent on Saturday morning.
According to Baldeo’s brother, Kavir, the two friends had opted to set up their tent instead of sleeping in their friend’s mobile home, as they wanted to have the full experience of the outdoors. They had spent Friday night at the festival, cooking and having a braai, and had carried a gas heater to keep warm, as the temperature was around three degrees Celsius.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: A Silent Killer
Carbon monoxide poisoning is a silent killer that can occur when gas heaters or other fuel-burning appliances are used in enclosed spaces. The carbon monoxide produced by these appliances can build up quickly, causing headaches, dizziness, and even death.
In this case, it is believed that the gas heater used by Baldeo and Pillay had leaked gas, leading to their deaths. Kavir Baldeo urged people to be cautious when using gas heaters, especially in the upcoming colder months, and to always switch off the heater before sleeping and remove it from the closed bedroom.
Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, it is essential to take certain precautions when using gas heaters or other fuel-burning appliances. Here are some tips:
- Always switch off the heater before sleeping
- Remove the heater from the closed bedroom before sleeping
- Use a carbon monoxide detector in your home or tent
- Never use a gas heater in an enclosed space without proper ventilation
Lorraine Tanner, executive director at the AfrikaBurn organisation, expressed her condolences to the families of the deceased and urged people to take precautions when using gas heaters.
