A Fifteen-year-old girl, Harshita Amit Nalekar, died after inhaling toxic gas from a gas geyser while bathing at her home in Borivli West. Doctors at Phoenix Hospital told mid-day that high levels of carbon monoxide were found in her body, causing severe brain damage. Borivli police have registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR) and launched an investigation. Harshita, a Std X (SSC) student, lived with her parents at Bhushan Heritage in Chikoowadi, Borivli West. She had been on a ventilator for four days after the incident on October 14 and passed away on October 18.
According to police officials, the incident occurred around 11.30 am when Harshita went for a bath. “After a few minutes, water started overflowing from the bathroom. Her parents tried to open the door, but couldn’t. They called a carpenter to break it. Once opened, Harshita was found unconscious inside,” said a police officer. Her parents immediately called their family doctor and rushed her to Phoenix Hospital in Borivli.
Brain stopped functioning
Dr Grishma Patel, medical administrator at Phoenix Hospital, said, “Harshita was admitted around 12 pm. When we examined her, she wasn’t breathing and had no pulse. We performed CPR and revived her, but her CT scan and MRI showed that her brain was non-functional. She was kept on a ventilator but passed away later.”
Residential building where incident occurred. PICs/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Dr Patel added, “The family told us she was using a gas geyser while bathing. Their family doctor, Dr Vijay Kasulkar, examined her and advised them to admit her here. Our physician, Dr Anuj Mehta, found that her heart had stopped.”
Gas geysers are silent killers
Dr Patel warned against using gas geysers in closed bathrooms. “They produce carbon monoxide (poisonous, colourless and odourless gas). It affects the brain and leads to breathing failure. We’ve repeatedly advised people to avoid using gas geysers in enclosed spaces. Harshita’s case is tragic proof of how deadly they can be.”
Senior Inspector Madhusudan Naik of Borivli police said, “We received information from Phoenix Hospital that Harshita was found unconscious while using a gas geyser. An ADR has been registered, and investigations are underway.” The Nalekar family was not in a condition to speak when contacted by mid-day.
Safety tips for using gas geysers
Ensure proper ventilation Never install gas geysers in bathrooms with poor airflow.
Use an exhaust fan It helps clear accumulated fumes.
Turn off the geyser before bathing: Running gas geysers during use can release carbon monoxide.
Regular maintenance Check for leaks and faulty connections.
