Two Noida Men Die of Suffocation After Leaving ‘Chhole’ on Burning Stove Overnight
In a heart-wrenching incident in Noida, two young men tragically lost their lives after falling asleep with a pot of chickpeas (chhole) cooking on a burning stove. The men, Upendra (22) and Shivam (23), were found dead several hours later, the victims of carbon monoxide poisoning caused by the unattended cooking.
The incident occurred in Basai village, located in Sector 70 of Noida. The two men operated a small food stall where they sold chole bhature and kulche. On the night of January 11, 2025, they left a pot of chhole cooking on the stove, intending to use it the following morning for their food stall. However, they went to sleep and failed to turn off the stove.
How the Tragedy Unfolded
According to Assistant Commissioner of Police Rajiv Gupta from Noida Central Zone, the two men had placed the pot of chickpeas on the stove and then went to sleep in their rented house. While they slept, the room became filled with smoke from the food burning on the stove. As the door of the house was shut, it led to a dangerous shortage of oxygen inside the room.
The combination of the smoke from the burning food and the lack of ventilation led to a buildup of carbon monoxide—a toxic, odorless gas that is produced when fuels such as gas or wood are burned. This gas can be deadly in confined spaces, causing suffocation and even death if not detected in time.
The Cause of Death: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
The initial investigation revealed that carbon monoxide poisoning was the primary cause of death. The gas accumulated inside the room due to the closed environment, preventing the men from getting enough oxygen. Carbon monoxide, which is colorless, tasteless, and odorless, silently fills the air, making it difficult for victims to realize the danger.
When neighbors became suspicious after noticing the smoke emanating from the house, they rushed to break down the door. They found Upendra and Shivam unconscious and quickly took them to a nearby hospital. Unfortunately, the two men were declared dead on arrival at District Hospital Noida in Sector 39. Doctors confirmed there were no signs of external injuries, and the cause of death was determined to be suffocation from inhaling carbon monoxide.
The Dangers of Leaving Cooking Unattended
This tragedy highlights the extreme dangers associated with unattended cooking. Many people often leave food cooking on stoves for long periods, but this incident demonstrates how a simple oversight can result in deadly consequences. The carbon monoxide released by burning food or fuel, especially in tightly sealed rooms, is a significant hazard.
Kitchen safety experts emphasize the importance of never leaving stoves or cooking appliances unattended, especially at night when people may not be as alert. Even small amounts of carbon monoxide can accumulate quickly in closed spaces, leading to suffocation if proper ventilation isn’t ensured.
Carbon Monoxide: The Silent Killer
Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas that is often referred to as the “silent killer.” It is produced when carbon-containing fuels, such as gas or wood, burn incompletely. In households, this can happen when cooking or heating appliances are left on for extended periods. The gas binds to hemoglobin in the blood, preventing oxygen from being transported to vital organs. Prolonged exposure can cause symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, headaches, and, in severe cases, death.
It is essential to take precautions to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Experts recommend installing carbon monoxide detectors in homes to alert occupants of rising levels of the gas. Ensuring proper ventilation while cooking and regularly checking stoves, ovens, and gas appliances can significantly reduce the risk of such incidents.
A Wake-Up Call for Noida’s Residents
This incident serves as a wake-up call for the residents of Noida, particularly those who may be unfamiliar with the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning. Noida has a growing population of migrant workers and small-scale entrepreneurs who often live in shared or rented accommodations with minimal safety measures. The local authorities have urged citizens to be cautious when using gas appliances and to adopt better safety practices to avoid similar tragedies.
In response to this incident, authorities are likely to intensify awareness campaigns and encourage households to install safety devices such as carbon monoxide detectors and fire alarms. Safety inspections may also become more frequent in residential areas to ensure that gas appliances are being used correctly.
Conclusion: A Preventable Tragedy
The deaths of Upendra and Shivam are an unfortunate reminder of the risks associated with leaving cooking food unattended, especially in poorly ventilated spaces. It is essential for individuals to remain vigilant while cooking and ensure that gas appliances are turned off before leaving the kitchen. The presence of carbon monoxide detectors in homes can provide a vital layer of protection, offering early warning signs in case of a gas leak or dangerous buildup of toxic fumes.
As Noida mourns the loss of these two young lives, the incident underscores the importance of safety awareness and the need for precautionary measures to avoid similar accidents in the future.