Invisible killer
The advent of winter has prompted many in Azerbaijan
to use heaters to stay warm. In doing so, the population gives
preference to gas heaters that are cheaper than electric power, and
this choice, at times, costs them their lives. Thus, consecutive
explosions and cases of carbon monoxide poisoning have triggered
worries among Azerbaijanis. The latest such accident, which took
place at a five-story residential building near the Memar Ajami
subway station of Baku on January 16, killed five people and
injured 10 others.
"A gas leak has been proven to be the cause of the explosion," Tahir Aliyev, head of the Baku Main Gas Production Department, has said.
Investigators determined that gas had been connected to a heater by a rubber pipe bypassing the main line in the apartment where the accident occurred.
Six apartments on the fourth and fifth floors of a building block were completely destroyed by the blast. A resident was detained on suspicion of negligence resulting in human casualties.
On December 15, another deadly accident occurred. Two people were killed and six others were injured during an explosion at another five-story building in the Nizami district of the capital.
On January 8, separate explosions rocked in three districts of Baku. Although the blasts did not claim any lives, seven people received various bodily injuries.
Gas explosions have occurred in Azerbaijani regions as well. Last month, the Imishli, Gakh and Kurdamir districts were subject to such explosions. Fortunately, the accidents did not inflict human casualties this time, and only one person received light burns.
But the consequences caused by gas are not confined to these accidents, as cases of carbon monoxide poisoning have become common as well. On January 5, 26 persons who attended a funeral in the Hajigabul district were poisoned.
On the same day, a similar development occurred with eight people visiting a rural home of a Salyan district resident. They were rushed to a hospital and their condition normalized after receiving medical aid.
According to the Interior Ministry, a total of 157 people have been poisoned with carbon monoxide in Baku in the past three months, including six that died. 23 of those poisoned were children.
The horrifying accidents have prompted the government to act. According to orders from the Cabinet of Ministers, an ad hoc commission comprising representatives of the Ministries of Emergency Situations, Interior, Prosecutor General`s Office and other relevant agencies has been set up under local executive authorities. The commission tackled check-ups in apartments since January 15 under the campaign entitled "The Month of Gas Economy Safety and Efficient Use of Natural Gas." As part of the campaign, inspectors are visiting apartments to examine operated gas devices and distribution lines.
Industry experts say accidents often result from illegal use of domestic gas as well as random use of rubber hoses or devices failing to comply with required standards. Mostly to blame are foreign-made heaters, and those made in Iran in particular, or handicraft gas stoves.
According to specialists, in order to avoid severe consequences, only iron-made gas pipes may be used and a ventilating pipe must be available. Moreover, there has to be circulation of air in the premises, while smoke-ducts should be cleaned at least once a year.
In addition to that, public awareness on safe use of gas should be increased, including by broadcasting respective TV clips.
"A gas leak has been proven to be the cause of the explosion," Tahir Aliyev, head of the Baku Main Gas Production Department, has said.
Investigators determined that gas had been connected to a heater by a rubber pipe bypassing the main line in the apartment where the accident occurred.
Six apartments on the fourth and fifth floors of a building block were completely destroyed by the blast. A resident was detained on suspicion of negligence resulting in human casualties.
On December 15, another deadly accident occurred. Two people were killed and six others were injured during an explosion at another five-story building in the Nizami district of the capital.
On January 8, separate explosions rocked in three districts of Baku. Although the blasts did not claim any lives, seven people received various bodily injuries.
Gas explosions have occurred in Azerbaijani regions as well. Last month, the Imishli, Gakh and Kurdamir districts were subject to such explosions. Fortunately, the accidents did not inflict human casualties this time, and only one person received light burns.
But the consequences caused by gas are not confined to these accidents, as cases of carbon monoxide poisoning have become common as well. On January 5, 26 persons who attended a funeral in the Hajigabul district were poisoned.
On the same day, a similar development occurred with eight people visiting a rural home of a Salyan district resident. They were rushed to a hospital and their condition normalized after receiving medical aid.
According to the Interior Ministry, a total of 157 people have been poisoned with carbon monoxide in Baku in the past three months, including six that died. 23 of those poisoned were children.
The horrifying accidents have prompted the government to act. According to orders from the Cabinet of Ministers, an ad hoc commission comprising representatives of the Ministries of Emergency Situations, Interior, Prosecutor General`s Office and other relevant agencies has been set up under local executive authorities. The commission tackled check-ups in apartments since January 15 under the campaign entitled "The Month of Gas Economy Safety and Efficient Use of Natural Gas." As part of the campaign, inspectors are visiting apartments to examine operated gas devices and distribution lines.
Industry experts say accidents often result from illegal use of domestic gas as well as random use of rubber hoses or devices failing to comply with required standards. Mostly to blame are foreign-made heaters, and those made in Iran in particular, or handicraft gas stoves.
According to specialists, in order to avoid severe consequences, only iron-made gas pipes may be used and a ventilating pipe must be available. Moreover, there has to be circulation of air in the premises, while smoke-ducts should be cleaned at least once a year.
In addition to that, public awareness on safe use of gas should be increased, including by broadcasting respective TV clips.
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