4 family members killed in gas heater accident in Jerash

AMMAN — Four people from one family, a couple and their two children, have died from inhaling gas heater emissions inside their house in Dahr Al Saru neighbourhood in Jerash Governorate, the Public Security Directorate (PSD) said on Saturday.

The PSD spokesperson said that the governorate's ambulance staff evacuated the bodies to Jerash Governmental Hospital on Saturday morning, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

The PSD renewed calls on citizens to use heating methods of all kinds "safely and properly," not to sleep with heaters on and ventilate the house adequately.

In December, the Civil Defence Department urged the public to use heaters safely during the winter season, warning that improper use could lead to significant risks to both lives and property.

The PSD at the time said that there had been a noticeable decrease in heater-related incidents in 2024 compared with previous years, which officials attribute to increased public awareness.

Key recommendations from the PSD include inspecting and maintaining heaters, refraining from refuelling while heaters are on, avoiding the use of heaters for cooking or heating water, and never leaving heaters on while sleeping.

Proper ventilation should be ensured, and the hose connecting the heater to the gas cylinder should be checked, the PSD said, adding that heaters should be placed away from curtains and furniture, and high-quality extension cords should be used for electrical connections, with wires carefully checked for damage.