Two young lovers tragically lost their lives after suffocating inside a generator room in Mogonga, Kenyenya, Kisii County. The heartbreaking incident occurred on Monday night after the pair reportedly spent time together in the confined space where a running generator emitted deadly carbon monoxide gas.
According to preliminary findings, the man, who worked at a local bar, had invited his girlfriend to the generator room. The room serves as a power supply hub for the establishment. It is believed the couple fell asleep while the generator was still running, unknowingly inhaling poisonous fumes. By the time they were discovered, both had already died from suffocation.
The discovery was made when a manager at the bar went to check on the generator after receiving information that it had run out of diesel. Using a spare key, he entered the room intending to refuel it, only to find the couple lying motionless on a bed. He quickly mobilised help and rushed them to hospital, but doctors confirmed they had already passed away.
Medical officials confirmed that the deaths were caused by carbon monoxide poisoning. The gas, often described as a silent killer, is odourless and colourless, making it extremely dangerous in poorly ventilated spaces. When inhaled, it binds with haemoglobin in the blood, forming carboxyhaemoglobin, which blocks oxygen transportation in the body. This quickly leads to suffocation and, if prolonged, death.
Health experts warn that symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, dizziness, chest pain, stomach upset, vomiting, red eyes, and confusion. However, the risk is especially high when victims are asleep, as they may not notice the signs before it is too late.
The bodies of the couple were moved to a local mortuary pending post-mortem examinations and further investigations. Authorities are treating the matter as an unfortunate accident, but they have urged the public to take extra caution when using generators, jikos, or other fuel-burning equipment indoors.
Residents have been reminded that generators should only be operated in well-ventilated outdoor spaces. Just like charcoal stoves, running them inside confined rooms significantly increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
This tragic incident serves as a painful reminder of the dangers posed by improper generator use, and officials continue to stress the importance of safe energy practices to prevent such avoidable deaths
