Guangxi, China—Five people were found dead in a rural home in Guangxi province on Thursday, victims of carbon monoxide poisoning. The incident is being attributed to a faulty heater that was being used to warm the house during a sudden cold snap. The local health bureau reported that the victims were discovered by relatives who had come to check on them after they failed to respond to calls.

Medical examiners confirmed that the high levels of carbon monoxide in the home were the result of incomplete combustion from the heating unit. Investigators believe the appliance was not properly ventilated, causing the toxic, odorless gas to accumulate rapidly in the enclosed sleeping quarters.

This tragic event serves as a grim reminder of the risks associated with indoor heating devices that are not vented to the outside. Health officials are now distributing urgent safety notices across the region, warning residents about the dangers of using non-standard heating equipment, especially during unseasonable weather.

The local government has begun a door-to-door safety campaign to inspect heating appliances in rural households. They are emphasizing the need for proper installation, regular maintenance, and the use of carbon monoxide detectors in homes that rely on fuel-burning heaters.

The community is in mourning for the victims, and public awareness initiatives are being stepped up to prevent further loss of life. Authorities are also investigating the origin and sale of the faulty heating unit to see if it met national safety standards.