NATIONAL NEWS - Paramedics had to wear protective gear to enter a flat in Musgrave, Durban, where a couple was found dead on Wednesday, following a chemical fumigation at a neighbouring flat.
Netcare 911 paramedics spokesperson Shawn Herbst said they arrived on the scene at 10:12. Herbst said a woman aged 34 and a man aged 37 were found by a concerned family member.
“The family member went to check up on them because no one was answering their phones. When he went upstairs, he opened the door and found their bodies. The lights in the flat were still on, so we assume they might have succumbed to fumes during the evening,” said Herbst.
According to Herbst, there were two flats on the third floor of the block – one was occupied by the couple and the other was vacant and being fumigated.
“The flat next door had droplets of white chemical powder – about a tablespoon of powder placed at metre intervals. We are trying to find out what company did the fumigation. Police said only professional companies are allowed to use this chemical,” explained Herbst.
He added that the SAPS Explosives Unit was on the scene, as well as emergency services, eThekwini Fire and Rescue Services and Berea SAPS.
“SAPS would not allow anyone inside the flat. Our Netcare 911 technician went inside with breathing apparatus and found the couple unresponsive. An industrial fan was used to clear the fumes,” he said.
Shockingly, Herbst added that paramedics respond to similar cases every year. “We respond to roughly two or three cases per year where this happens when people fumigate,” he said.
Lieutenant Colonel Nqobile Gwala told The Witness that an inquest docket was opened at the Berea Police Station.
“A post mortem will be conducted to determine the cause of death,” said Gwala.
