A 31-year-old woman and her three children died in Chełmno, prompting the mayor to announce carbon monoxide detectors for all municipal housing.
Mayor Reacts to Tragedy
The mayor of Chełmno, Mariusz Kędzierski, commented on the death of a 31-year-old woman and her three children. “I was at the scene. I saw what it looks like, and I am convinced that this sight will stay with me for a very long time, perhaps forever,” Kędzierski told Radio ZET. He mentioned that the children attended local schools and had a good reputation.
The mayor also announced that psychological help has been provided to friends of the deceased family, particularly classmates. “All female principals of Chełmno’s schools have offered their psychologists to support the school,” Kędzierski added, explaining that the girls will never sit in the same classroom again with their former classmates.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors for Municipal Housing
Kędzierski informed that the city decided to purchase carbon monoxide detectors for all tenants of municipal housing. “This will be another such action, but previous ones did not enjoy the popularity we expected. However, after this event, I hope everyone will come and pick up the detectors, because if there had been a detector in this house, probably this family would be alive,” he said.
The mayor explained that the deceased family rented an apartment from a private building owner. “Theoretically, there should be a detector there. There should also be a chimney inspection. I hope the owner has such documents to show, because probably the prosecutor investigating the case will expect such documents,” he stated.
Prosecutor Investigating Deaths
“This is a very early stage. An inspection of the scene of the incident was conducted with the participation of an expert. The bodies of all persons have been secured for autopsy, scheduled for Monday,” said prosecutor Izabela Oliver from the District Prosecutor’s Office in Toruń to Gazeta.pl. Neighbors, as well as the woman’s brother and sister, were questioned.
The prosecutor announced that an investigation would be initiated for involuntary manslaughter. “At this stage, nothing indicates the involvement of third parties,” she emphasized. On Thursday (January 15), services were notified by the 31-year-old woman’s sister, who reported she could not contact the woman. “Police officers were immediately dispatched to the scene. When no one opened the doors at the apartment on Stare Planty Street, firefighters were called. Sensors immediately indicated exceeded carbon monoxide norms,” reported the Chełmno County Police Headquarters.
“The level of carbon monoxide detected at the scene was at an extreme level of 900 PPM,” explained Captain Kacper Korczak, press officer of the Chełmno County Fire Headquarters. “This means that just a few breaths could cause us to lose consciousness, and consequently, life,” he told Radio ZET.