The dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning have once again come under the spotlight after a young pharmacist was found dead inside her room in Dschang, West Region, in circumstances suspected to be linked to charcoal fumes.
Aline Ndogmo, believed to be in her 20s, was discovered lifeless on Tuesday, July 7, after a family member became worried when repeated knocks on her door and phone calls went unanswered. Relatives broke a window to check inside and found her lying motionless.
The army rescue unit and gendarmerie officers were alerted and later forced open the door before her body was transferred to the mortuary of the Dschang Regional Annex Hospital for examination.
A charcoal pot was reportedly found inside the room. According to neighbours, Aline may have carried the charcoal stove indoors after cooking and unknowingly inhaled toxic fumes while asleep.
Residents described her as healthy and said she had shown no signs of illness before the tragedy.
“She was full of life and never showed any sign of being sick. Her death has left everyone in shock,” said a neighbour, Tiakou Maiva.
A Health authority warn that using charcoal stoves or generators inside closed rooms can cause unconsciousness and death within a short time.
“Carbon monoxide is a silent killer. Never use charcoal stoves or generators inside enclosed rooms, especially while sleeping, as the toxic fumes can quickly become fatal,” warned Prof. Noubom Michel, Director of the Dschang Regional Annex Hospital.
Authorities are urging households to cook only in ventilated areas, keep generators and charcoal stoves outside living spaces, and avoid sleeping in rooms exposed to toxic fumes.
An investigation is ongoing, while an autopsy is expected to establish the exact cause of Aline Ndogmo’s death. Her passing is another reminder of the deadly but preventable risks of carbon monoxide poisoning.
