A taxi driver identified as Manish Ghandhar, originally from Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, was found dead inside his car in Nainital’s Sukhataal parking area on the morning of December 28, 2025, after reportedly lighting a coal brazier inside to keep warm during a winter night.
He had picked up passengers from on December 27th and reached Nainital on the same evening where he decided to get rest in his car. He kept his windows up due to the cold weather and kept the coal 'angithi' lit up for warmth.
Police discovered Manish unresponsive in the morning. He was covered with a blanket and foam was present around his mouth, findings that are often associated with toxic gas exposure. He was taken to BD Pandey Hospital, where he was declared dead. Initial investigations indicate carbon monoxide poisoning from the coal heater as the likely cause, but further forensic and post-mortem examinations are ongoing.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas produced when fuels such as coal, wood, gasoline, propane, or charcoal burn or partially. Because CO cannot be detected by human senses, it can accumulate unnoticed in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces. 1
When inhaled, CO binds to hemoglobin in red blood cells more readily than oxygen does. This reduces the blood’s ability to carry oxygen to body tissues and vital organs, which can result in tissue damage, loss of consciousness, or death.1
Combustion of fuel (coal, charcoal, gas) produces CO when oxygen is limited (incomplete combustion).
In a closed environment, such as a car with windows up, fumes can build up rapidly.
Breathing in CO causes it to displace oxygen in the bloodstream.
Without adequate ventilation or detection devices, dangerous levels can accumulate before symptoms become evident.
Early or moderate exposure symptoms may resemble flu-like conditions without fever, such as:
Headache
Dizziness
Nausea
Weakness
Confusion
Shortness of breath
Severe exposure can lead to loss of consciousness, seizures, heart irregularities, brain damage, or death.
In Manish’s case, police reported foam around the mouth, a sign sometimes seen in acute poisoning scenarios though formal medical conclusions are pending.
Carbon monoxide poisoning is preventable by minimizing exposure to CO sources and ensuring proper ventilation:
Key safety tips include:
Avoid using fuel-burning heaters (coal, wood, charcoal) inside enclosed spaces, such as vehicles or rooms without ventilation.
When using fuel-burning devices outdoors (e.g., camping stoves), keep them away from enclosed areas.
Never run a vehicle engine inside a closed garage or enclosed space, even with the garage door open.
Install carbon monoxide detectors in homes and other living spaces near sleeping areas.
Ensure proper maintenance and regular inspection of heating systems by qualified professionals.
According to the CDC, installing CO alarms and checking their batteries regularly are recommended to reduce risk.
Carbon monoxide can accumulate not only from heaters but also from poorly ventilated furnaces, vehicles, generators, and cooking appliances. Because CO is undetectable through human senses, reliance on alarm devices and proper ventilation is critical.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Workplace Carbon Monoxide Hazards. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Last modified September 30, 2024. Accessed December 30, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/carbon-monoxide/about/index.html.
(Rh/TL)