Nili – February 23, 2025 (4 Dalw 1403)In a heartbreaking incident, four young students aged 16, 17, 18, and 19 lost their lives last night in the center of Nili city, the provincial capital of Daikundi, due to carbon monoxide poisoning (commonly known as “zughal-gereftagi” or coal-gas asphyxiation).
Kabul 24: The victims were students attending private exam-preparation courses and were intensively studying for the upcoming university entrance exam (Kankor) when the tragedy occurred.
They were reportedly in a small, poorly ventilated room using a coal-burning heater.According to initial reports, the bodies were discovered and transferred to Nili Provincial Hospital around 4:00 a.m. today. A team from the Public Health Directorate, in coordination with forensic medicine officials, conducted the necessary examinations and officially confirmed carbon monoxide poisoning as the cause of death.
Immediately upon receiving news of the incident, the Director of Public Health personally visited the scene. After completing legal and medical procedures, the bodies were transported by two ambulances to their home district of Ashtarlay for burial.
The Daikundi Directorate of Public Health expressed profound sorrow over this devastating event and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and the people of Daikundi.
In light of this tragedy, the Directorate once again urgently calls on all citizens—especially during the cold winter months—to strictly observe the following safety measures when using coal, wood, or any fossil-fuel heating devices:Ensure proper ventilation in the room at all times
Install and regularly clean standard chimneys/flues
Never use coal burners, mangals, or gas heaters in completely sealed rooms without windows or ventilation
Avoid sleeping in rooms where coal or charcoal has been recently used without sufficient airing
Whenever possible, use carbon monoxide detectors
Such preventable incidents unfortunately recur every winter in Afghanistan’s colder regions, particularly affecting students who study late into the night in small, enclosed spaces.
The Directorate hopes that continued public awareness campaigns will help reduce these avoidable losses in the future.May the souls of these four bright young students rest in peace and may their memory be honored.
