Two sisters, aged 1 & 5, die from wood heater fumes in south Jordan

• Two young sisters, aged one and five, died from carbon monoxide poisoning in Ma'an after inhaling toxic fumes from a traditional wood brazier used inside their home.
• The Public Security Directorate issued an urgent warning against using wood or charcoal stoves for indoor heating and emphasized that heaters must be turned off during sleep to prevent similar tragedies.

Two children died and their father was hospitalized Saturday evening following a carbon monoxide poisoning incident caused by a traditional wood brazier (manqal) in the city of Ma’an, South Jordan, according to the Public Security Directorate (PSD).

The media spokesperson for the PSD stated that the two girls, aged one and five, were rushed to a local hospital alongside their father after suffering from severe respiratory distress. The family had inhaled toxic gases inside their home.

Tragic Outcome in Ma’an

Despite emergency medical intervention, the two sisters succumbed to the gas inhalation shortly after arrival at the hospital. Officials confirmed the father remains under medical supervision, with his condition currently described as "moderate."

Public Safety Warnings

In the wake of the tragedy, the Public Security Directorate renewed its plea for citizens to adhere to strict safety protocols during the winter months.

The directorate emphasized that traditional coal or wood-burning stoves should never be used as primary indoor heating sources due to the rapid buildup of carbon monoxide, often referred to as the "silent killer."

The PSD highlighted the following life-saving guidelines:

• Ventilation: Ensure homes are ventilated periodically to renew oxygen levels and disperse harmful emissions.
• Sleep Safety: Never leave any type of heater, especially gas or wood-burning units, operational while residents are asleep.
• Maintenance: Regularly inspect gas hoses and cylinders for leaks or cracks before use.
• Placement: Keep heaters away from flammable materials such as curtains, rugs, and furniture.

Authorities urged the public to contact the unified emergency number 911 immediately in the event of an emergency.