Four family members died and three women were hospitalized due to carbon monoxide poisoning in a home in the Santa Fe neighborhood, Álvaro Obregón borough. The incident happened on December 31 from a gas leak, as reported by the Mexico City Security Secretariat. This adds to at least 17 deaths from intoxications during the winter season in Mexico City.
On December 31, a gas leak in a home at the corner of Galeana and Diego Ordaz streets, in the Santa Fe neighborhood of Álvaro Obregón borough, led to a family tragedy. SSC officers, paramedics, and firefighters responded to a report and found two women, a minor, and a man dead. Three other women were taken to a hospital in reserved condition.
This event underscores the dangers of carbon monoxide in winter. On Friday, December 26, Myriam Urzúa Venegas, secretary of Comprehensive Risk Management and Civil Protection, reported at least 17 people dead from intoxications in the season. She linked these to poor maintenance of gas installations, with 11 to 15 daily interventions for leaks.
Urzúa Venegas issued prevention recommendations: replace stationary tanks every 10 years, use specialized inspections, avoid placing tanks in enclosed spaces and prefer rooftops. For portable tanks, keep them away from stoves and boilers, check valves every seven years, and fill them no more than 80% capacity. To detect leaks, apply soapy water to connections; bubbles indicate a filtration.
"Many gas poisoning problems occur precisely because they are indoors and the gas accumulates. If there is no ventilation, we have accidents," the official warned. These steps aim to lower risks in Mexico City homes during higher heating periods.
