Police have launched an investigation into the deaths of two businessmen from Durban who were found dead in their tent on a private camping site, about 20km from where the AfrikaBurn Festival was held in the Tankwa Karoo at the end of April.

The deceased Anban Pillay (48) and Kavish Baldeo (44) were best friends and on their way to the festival.

According to Western Cape police spokesperson, Capt. FC van Wyk, it was reported that the two men died of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.

“On Saturday 2 May, detectives from Ceres attended to a scene at a farm in the Karoo. Upon members’ arrival they found the bodies of two males on the ground inside a stretch camping tent. There was a smell of gas inside the tent and also a blue gas heater. Both of them were declared deceased on the scene.”

Toxic gas odourless

With the cold winter temperatures, everyone camping or making use of equipment such as gas heaters and geysers, is encouraged to familiarise themselves with equipment they are using and that it is correctly installed and connected.

CO is a toxic gas that one cannot see or smell, and is called a silent killer. Breathing high levels of the gas causes severe illness or death in just minutes due to poisoning. When people inhale CO, the toxic gas enters the bloodstream and blocks oxygen from being absorbed into the body.

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The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. CO symptoms are often described as “flu-like.”

• The very common source of CO poisoning is unvented heaters in the home.
• Common household appliances used for heating and cooking can produce CO if not installed properly, are faulty or poorly maintained.
• Appliances that can produce CO include gas geysers; gas cookers; clay ovens; gas or paraffin heaters; wood, gas and coal fires; and portable generators.
• Using barbecues or camping stoves inside, and turning on vehicle engines in an enclosed space such as a garage can also cause a build-up of CO.

Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning

• Install battery-operated or battery back-up CO detectors near every sleeping area in your home.
• Have your heating system, water heater, and any other gas, oil, or coal burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician every year.
• Make sure your gas appliances are vented properly.
• When you buy gas equipment, buy only equipment carrying the seal of a national testing agency.
• If you smell an odor from your gas refrigerator, have an expert service it. An odor from your gas refrigerator can mean it could be leaking CO.
• Never heat your house with a gas oven. Don’t cook or burn anything on a stove or fireplace that isn’t vented.
• Have your chimney checked or cleaned every year. Chimneys can be blocked by debris, which can cause CO to build up inside your home.
• Never burn charcoal indoors as it gives off CO.
• Never use a portable gas camp stove indoors. Do not use portable flameless chemical heaters indoors.
• Never use a generator inside your home or garage, even if doors and windows are open.
• Only use generators outside, more than six metres away from any windows, doors, and vents.
• When using a generator, use a battery-powered or battery backup CO detector in your home.