Igatpuri (Nashik), May 26 — In a shocking and tragic incident, six members of a family were found dead inside a parked car near the highway in Igatpuri on Sunday evening. A seventh member, discovered sitting outside the vehicle, chillingly told bystanders, “Will die in five minutes,” before collapsing.
The family, residents of Navi Mumbai, were reportedly returning from a religious trip and had stopped on the roadside near Ghatandevi Temple in Igatpuri. According to police sources, the group had been resting in their Toyota Innova vehicle with the engine running and air conditioning on. The vehicle was parked in an isolated area when locals noticed it remained stationary for hours.
Upon inspection, the locals found six occupants unresponsive inside the locked car. The seventh member, a 21-year-old male sitting just outside the vehicle, appeared disoriented and reportedly muttered his final words before fainting. He was immediately rushed to the nearest government hospital, where he remains under treatment in critical condition.
Initial investigations suggest that the victims died due to carbon monoxide poisoning. A police officer involved in the probe stated, “The engine was left running while they were resting. It is likely that toxic gas from the exhaust system leaked into the vehicle cabin.” Forensic teams have been deployed, and reports are awaited to confirm the exact cause of death.
The deceased include two senior citizens, a middle-aged couple, and two young adults. All bodies have been sent for post-mortem to Nashik Civil Hospital. Police have registered an accidental death report and have not ruled out mechanical failure as the cause.
Local authorities expressed deep concern over the safety hazard. “This incident is a painful reminder of the dangers of sitting in a parked car with the engine running in a closed environment,” said Nashik SP D.S. Pawar.
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde offered condolences and directed the district collector to provide all necessary assistance to the bereaved family. He also stated that the state would review public awareness campaigns about the risks of carbon monoxide in vehicles.
Experts warn that carbon monoxide, an odorless and colorless gas, can be fatal in enclosed spaces. Victims often fall unconscious before they can react, making the situation even more dangerous if unnoticed.
The incident has left the community in grief and raised serious questions about public awareness regarding vehicle maintenance and exhaust safety. The survivor’s haunting last words have further underscored the urgency of the issue.
Authorities have urged the public to avoid sleeping in vehicles with the engine running, particularly in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas.
Further investigation is underway.
