by admin | Sep 27, 2025 | incident, public health and safety, safety, tourists, tragedies
Four travelers lost their lives on Phuket Island over the course of a week, raising increasing worries regarding security and prompting demands for enhanced precautions due to the island’s powerful monsoon tides and absence of rescue personnel.
On August 20, a 68-year-old Swedish individual fainted while walking through shallow waters at Kata Beach and was unable to be resuscitated by the lifeguards, as reported by the
Thai Examiner
.
Two days after, the corpse of a 28-year-old U.S. citizen was discovered near Patong Beach.
The police have forwarded both corpses for post-mortem examinations to establish the reason for their deaths.
A third individual, a 35-year-old Russian national, died by drowning early on August 21 while swimming at night between Banana Beach and Nai Thon Beach, according to reports.
Khaosod newspaper
His 24-year-old partner mentioned that they set sail around 12:30 a.m. when big waves hit unexpectedly.
Although he succeeded in guiding her towards the beach, he was swallowed up by the water.
In reaction to the recent fatalities, officials have added more alert signs and boosted the count of lifeguards at popular seaside areas, as reported by the
South China Morning Post
.
The northeast monsoon period, spanning from June through October, has historically been considered Phuket’s off-peak time. Nonetheless, certain travelers still come to the island because of its cost-effectiveness.
The increasing number of fatalities highlights significant shortcomings in protective protocols. Rescue swimmers frequently face heavy workloads, warning signs are absent, and help arrives too late. As a result, officials are reassessing personnel numbers, visual alerts, and surveillance procedures.
Additional public education initiatives are being implemented across vacation destinations and lodging facilities, promoting adherence to guidelines from locals and visitors alike, as well as swimming exclusively in monitored zones.
Phuket was named among the world’s most stunning islands by an American publication.
Travel+Leisure
last year.
by admin | Apr 10, 2025 | disasters, news, safety, thailand, tourists
The Thai authorities have told visitors they can still come without worry as last week’s fatal quake in nearby Myanmar, which led to extensive destruction throughout portions of Southeast Asia including Bangkok, does not pose a threat.
“Travel, accommodations, and events continue as usual. Safety inspections are being conducted continuously to ensure security. Key locations are monitored by tourist police,” stated Thailand’s Tourism Minister Sorawong Thienthong in a government update posted on X, previously called Twitter.
Authorities have stated that no tourists sustained injuries and no popular tourist locations in Thailand were impacted by the earthquake.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand promptly addressed the worries by releasing a statement on Saturday asserting that the conditions in Bangkok were back to normal.
“Enterprises have restarted their activities, and tourist sites along with multiple convention centers are operating normally. Nevertheless, ongoing evaluations will be conducted to guarantee optimal safety measures,” stated TAT via social media platforms.
“Accommodation facilities, dining establishments, and leisure spots continue their regular operations without disruption, and transportation services are running normally. Therefore, there’s no cause for travelers to cancel their trip arrangements,” stated Anil Punjabi, who serves as a member of the national executive committee at the Travel Agents’ Federation of India (TAFI), according to reports.
The Times of India
.
Thai officials also mentioned that well-known locations like Phuket, Pattaya, and other tourist spots were unaffected by the earthquake.
The number of fatalities in Bangkok increased to 17 following a 7.7 magnitude earthquake that hit central Myanmar on Friday.
significant tremors were clearly experienced in Bangkok, the capital city.
and
other parts of Vietnam
and China.
A number of international visitors in Bangkok experienced unsettling moments when seismic activity made tall buildings sway, created cracks in walls, and even led to water spilling out of rooftop pools.
From January through mid-March, Thailand saw an influx of 8.3 million international tourists, marking a rise of 3.9% compared to the same period last year. By the close of this year, the nation aims for between 39 to 40 million overseas visitors.
by admin | Apr 3, 2025 | driving, emergencies, rain, road safety, safety
As the rainy season arrives in Nigeria, motorists encounter specific difficulties that require increased vigilance and readiness.
Slippery streets, decreased vision, and erratic climatic factors may notably heighten the chance of collisions.
To maintain safety throughout this time, keep these crucial driving tips in mind:
1. Perform comprehensive checks on vehicles
Before embarking, make sure your vehicle is in top shape:
Tires: Ensure that your tires possess adequate tread depth and are correctly inflated. Deteriorated tires may cause hydroplaning on wet surfaces.
Check your brakes to ensure they respond effectively. In wet conditions, stopping distances increase, highlighting the importance of having functional brakes.
Windshield and Windscreen Wipers: Make sure your windshield remains spotless and your wiper blades are working properly to guarantee unobstructed vision when it rains heavily.
Check: Ensure that all lighting elements such as headlamps, tail lamps, and directional indicators are functioning properly to improve your visibility for other motorists.
2. Decrease your speed and enhance the gap between you and the vehicle ahead.
Slippery conditions may arise on wet roadways, diminishing tire grip. It is advisable to decrease your speed and keep an increased gap between you and the car in front of you to provide sufficient stopping time.
3. Avoid flooded areas
Driving through standing water can conceal hazards like potholes and may cause vehicle damage or engine stalling. If unavoidable, proceed slowly and steadily through the water, staying on the highest part of the road.
Lagos State, with its flat terrain and long shoreline, is highly prone to flooding, particularly when the rain season arrives.
The Island area as well as the Mainland region both contain particular spots that are susceptible to inundation because of their closeness to water bodies, insufficient drainage infrastructure, and quick urban development.
Areas prone to flooding on Lagos Island:
Lagos Island includes areas such as Obalende, Bamgbose, Ilado, Victoria Island, Ikate, Alaguntan, Maiyegun, Langbasa, Iranla, Badore, Iwaya, Makoko, and Ebute-Metta.
Eti-Osa Local Government
Location: Obalende, Victoria Island, Ikate, Ilado, Igboefon, Alaguntan, Maiyegun, Langbasa, Iranla, Badore.
The settlement of Ajah experiences notable susceptibility to floods, frequently encountering substantial inundation during periods of intense rainfall.
Flood-Vulnerable Regions of Lagos Mainland:
Kosofe LGA includes areas such as Ketu, Alapere, Maidan, Agboyi, Owode Onirin, Ajegunle, Kara, Isheri Olowora, Agbiliti, Mile 12, Odo Ogun, and Owode Elede.
Ikorodu: Majidun, Ebute, Ibese, Isasi, Ilemere, Baiyeku, Ipakan.
Iba, Ishasi, Era, Egan, Etegbin, Igbede, Igbolobi, Ishagira, and Tafi are part of the Ojo Local Government Area.
Amuwo-Odofin: Significant flood danger because of closeness to water bodies.
Surulere, Apapa, Ikeja, Mushin, Shomolu: Moderate risk of flooding.
Magodo, Ejigbo: Previous instances of major flooding occurrences.
Should you live in or often visit these regions, be sure to take additional precautions, steer clear of inundated pathways whenever feasible, and keep abreast of the latest weather updates.
4. Use car functionalities to keep visibility clear
Rain can cause windows to fog up, impairing visibility. Use your vehicle’s defogging and demisting functions to keep windows clear.
5. Keep updated with weather and road situations
Prior to your journey, review weather predictions and identify regions susceptible to floods or hazardous roads. Such data can assist you in mapping out more secure paths or lead you to postpone travel when needed.
6. Handle hydroplaning calmly
Should your car start to hydroplane (lose grip because of water), stay composed, release the gas pedal gradually, and guide it smoothly in the intended direction until you have regained control.
7. Stay concentrated and steer clear of interruptions
Operating a vehicle during rain demands complete concentration. Refrain from utilizing mobile phones or participating in distractions that can take your eyes off the roadway.
8. Emergency preparedness
Include crucial emergency essentials such as a torch, a medical kit, a hazard triangle, jump leads, and a portable charger.
Keep the contact details for roadside assistance services and emergency phone numbers readily available in case you have an accident or vehicle failure.
9. Defensive driving techniques
Stay particularly alert for careless motorists who might fail to reduce their velocity in rainy weather.
Expect possible dangers like abrupt halts, slipping cars, or people walking across in poor eyesight conditions.
Steer clear of abrupt acceleration or stopping, as this might cause you to lose control when driving on slick surfaces.
10. Public Transport Considerations
For individuals depending on public transportation, additional safety measures become essential during the monsoon period:
Select Secure and Dependable Transportation: Choose accredited transportation providers or firms equipped with properly maintained vehicles to reduce hazards.
Steer clear of overburdened vehicles: Buses and public minibusses like danfos that exceed their capacity limits are at higher risk for crashes, particularly when driving on wet surfaces.
Stay Vigilant at Bus Stops: Numerous bus stops lack proper cover and can turn hazardous when it rains heavily. Be wary of speeding vehicles that might drench you with water or veer off course.
Keep updated on route conditions: Certain roadways can turn inaccessible when there’s significant rainfall. Stay adaptable with your journey arrangements and verify alternate paths prior to departure.
Be careful when riding motorcycles (Okadas): When you use these vehicles for transportation, make sure the driver has appropriate rain protection, drives carefully, and stays clear of flooded or water-logged zones.
11. Highway systems and governmental actions
Governments need to enhance drainage infrastructure to avoid roads being rendered inaccessible during intense rainfall.
Road repair and maintenance initiatives currently underway ought to focus on zones prone to flooding so as to minimize hazards for travelers.
Motorists need to keep an eye on ongoing construction work and possible diversions that could affect their paths, particularly as we approach the busy rainy period.
12. Alternative travel options
Promote remote work or adaptable travel options whenever feasible to minimize exposure to unsafe environments.
Recommend carpooling or utilizing higher, safer paths when heavy rains are expected.
Think about utilizing ride-hailing services that have vehicles in good condition to minimize potential hazards.
Following these guidelines will improve your safety and that of others when driving during Nigeria’s rainy season. It’s essential always to be cautious and ready to handle the difficulties presented by wet weather conditions effectively.
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Syndigate.info
).
by admin | Apr 3, 2025 | airport security, aviation, government, safety, security
Yet for the God of Sallah, who ordained a holiday at the start of the week, Nigerians might have been faced with further flight disruptions at our airports come Monday.
Flight personnel have now warned that they will shut down airports across the country beginning March 31st unless the customs official involved in assaulting the FAAN aviation security chief is dismissed.
The National Union of Air Transport Employees, represented by Ocheme Aba; the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, represented by Frances Akinjole; and the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals, represented by Abdul Rasaq Saidu, jointly issued a statement condemning the recurring physical attacks on Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria staff. They declared their refusal to accept further occurrences of these incidents.
The unions additionally requested the government to promptly decrease the count of customs personnel working in civil aviation, aligning with international norms.
Recently, the Nigerian aviation industry has seen an alarming pattern emerge: ongoing disputes and competition between various security organizations working within the nation’s airport facilities.
Fresh mangos could play a key role in lowering the chances of developing diabetes and obesity. The Abuja Law School is suitable for all university-educated individuals aiming to study law. Preventing drug misuse is consistently more effective than treating it afterwards.
Not only has this issue weakened the impact of security measures, but it has also endangered the well-being and peace of mind of travelers.
The competition between various security organizations such as the Nigerian Immigration Service, Nigerian Customs Service, Nigerian Police Force, and AVSEC staff has resulted in redundant tasks, contradictory instructions, and an overall climate of mistrust.
This has led to unnecessary disputes, hold-ups, harassment of travelers, and an adverse effect on the entire journey experience.
How do we get out of this deadlock?
Initially, there is a critical requirement for defining the roles and duties clearly amongst the different security organizations functioning within the airports. Achieving this involves conducting an extensive evaluation of current safety measures along with setting up a distinct hierarchy of authority.
Secondly, improving cooperation and communication between agencies is essential.
This can be achieved via frequent gatherings, shared training drills, and setting up a combined operations hub.
Through collaboration, security agencies can exchange information, synchronize their actions, and address security threats with greater efficiency.
Thirdly, the Nigerian authorities should allocate resources for the education and skill enhancement of law enforcement officers. This step is essential for improving their expertise, understanding, and professional standards.
Efficient security staff are well-prepared to manage intricate security scenarios, deliver outstanding client support, and foster a favorable national impression.
Ultimately, there is a requirement for robust supervision and tracking of security measures at the airports.
This objective can be met by setting up an autonomous oversight body capable of offering immediate input on security measures, pinpointing regions needing enhancement, and suggesting remedial steps.
The competition between security agencies at Nigerian airports acts as a ticking time bomb that needs urgent consideration.
Through clarifying duties and obligations, fostering better cooperation between agencies, allocating resources for education and skill enhancement, and ensuring robust monitoring, we can unify security efforts, create safer surroundings, and improve the entire journey process.
It’s time to take action immediately.
FURTHER READING FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
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by admin | Apr 2, 2025 | architecture, buildings, disasters, safety, seismology
The 49-story Sathorn Unique Tower, an abandoned structure in Bangkok, Thailand, gained widespread attention online when it surprisingly withstood a massive 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar, which rattled much of Southeast Asia.
The most powerful earthquake Myanmar had experienced in a century hit on March 28, causing vibrations felt all the way in Bangkok, which was approximately 1,000 kilometers away from the epicenter. This seismic event led to the collapse of an unfinished high-rise structure and jolted numerous buildings across the city.
Nonetheless, the Sathorn Unique Tower, situated in Bangkok’s Sathon District and deserted for over three decades, continued to stand tall, baffling numerous people.
Many people on social media posted pictures of the edifice, raising doubts about how this derelict construction managed to survive the intense seismic event.
|
|
An image posted online depicts a sight of the Sathorn Unique Tower, a 49-story structure located in Bangkok.
|
A user posted on Reddit about their recent visit to Bangkok with their partner over the past few weeks. They expressed being captivated upon their initial sightseeing experience, stating they were very interested in learning more,
I was curious about that particular building. It seems as though they might consider retrofitting it before putting it up for sale. Hasn’t anything been done with it yet?
Initially envisioned in the 1990s as an upscale mixed-use development, the building was intended to stand at 49 stories tall with spectacular vistas of the Chao Phraya River. Nonetheless, when construction reached approximately half-way point, the Asian financial crisis struck in 1997, severely impacting Thailand’s economy.
The Telegraph
reported.
Numerous property developments, such as the tower, were left unfinished because of insufficient financial backing.
In its unfinished condition and ghostly, skeletal look, the structure earned the nickname “Ghost Tower.” Its haunting charm makes it a perfect spot for adventurous travelers seeking thrills.
A tourist shared on
Travelfreak
He paid 200 baht (US$5.84) to a security guard for permission to enter for 15 minutes.
Travel vlogger Jack Morris, boasting an impressive following of 2.4 million on Instagram, explored the highest level of the Sathorn tower back in 2015.
He penned, “Each time I visit Bangkok, I find myself scaling this deserted 49-story structure. To me, it offers the finest vista of the metropolis. The sense of liberation I experience here is unparalleled; it’s an emotion absent from those observatories atop skyscrapers filled with bars. It goes by the nickname ‘Ghost Tower’ among locals due to rumors suggesting it might be cursed.”
by admin | Apr 2, 2025 | incident, safety, tourists, Travel, vacations
When organizing a holiday, many tourists create highly detailed travel plans, bring along an excess of clothing items that they probably won’t require, and investigate the securest areas as well as the top-rated pubs and eateries to check out.
Nevertheless, only a small number of people take precautions to protect themselves against carbon monoxide poisoning during their stays at hotels.
Airbnb
rentals, and that, according to Kris Hauschildt, founder of the Jenkins Foundation, needs to change urgently.
After her parents, Daryl and Shirley Jenkins, succumbed to carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning at a hotel in Boone, Hauschildt founded the Jenkins Foundation.
North Carolina
In April 2013, she began advocating for reforms related to carbon monoxide detectors in hotels and rentals. She also informs travelers about the risks posed by this “silent killer” gas.
Each year, CO poisoning leads to the deaths of more than 400 Americans and causes illness in over 100,000 others, according to data.
Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention shows.
The danger of the gas lies in its difficulty to be detected, as Hauschildt explained to SANGGRALOKA.
Carbon monoxide is undetectable by smell, taste, or sight. The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are similarly hard to identify because they frequently resemble those of other ailments, like common flu-like illnesses.
flu
Or food poisoning, which travelers frequently hesitate to get treated for, Hauschildt mentioned.
In recent weeks, two cases of suspected carbon monoxide poisoning involving American tourists overseas have come to light.
Last month, Miller Gardner, who is 14 years old and the son of ex-New York Yankees player Brett Gardner, was discovered deceased in a hotel room in Costa Rica. Local authorities have preliminarily indicated that carbon monoxide poisoning may be the cause, suggesting it appears to match such an incident.
In late February, three female tourists visiting San Pedro, Belize—Kaoutar Naqqad aged 23, Imane Mallah aged 24, and Wafae El Arar aged 26—were discovered deceased within their accommodations at the Royal Kahal Beach Resort. The cause of death was determined to be carbon monoxide poisoning.
Hauschildt mentioned that she feels constant anguish whenever she hears about new deaths caused by carbon monoxide, noting it’s heartbreaking to witness these incidents continuing when they could be so readily prevented.
“I have been tracking this issue over the past 12 years, and it remains significantly misconstrued. Moreover, it’s a concern that most travelers remain oblivious to,” she stated.
We lack the innate capability to identify the poison directly, hence as individuals who frequently move from one place to another, we should equip ourselves with knowledge on the most effective ways to safeguard against it irrespective of your destination—be it a hotel, a holiday rental, or perhaps even a family member’s residence.
Carbon monoxide poisoning happens when significant amounts of CO fumes are breathed in, leading to an oxygen deficiency in the body that can result in harm to the brain, heart, and other crucial organs.
Common adverse effects may encompass migraines, lightheadedness, impaired eyesight, nausea, loss of strength, thoracic discomfort, and disorientation.
CO is generated when fuels such as gasoline, wood, propane, or charcoal are burned. This leads to many unintentional poisoning cases, frequently due to faulty equipment like heating systems, air conditioners, and generators.
Hauschildt stated that victims are particularly defenseless when they are asleep.
Regarding Miller Gardner’s situation, local authorities stated on Monday that a ‘machinery area’ next to the family’s hotel room experienced an unidentified contamination and was found to have elevated levels of the gas.
The hotel has contested the official conclusions, and Gardner’s family is awaiting a toxicology report to determine the reason behind the teen’s demise.
In Belize, authorities stated that they think the fatalities of Naqqad, Mallah, and El Arar resulted from a faulty water heater located within the ladies’ restroom.
Two visitors staying at the Royal Kahal following the discovery of the deceased women felt ill due to carbon monoxide exposure. They informed SANGGRALOKA that although thankful to have avoided a similar tragic end, they now regret not recognizing the signs sooner and taking additional precautions to safeguard themselves. This realization left them feeling somewhat foolish.
Hauschildt suggested that the most effective method to protect yourself is by carrying a portable carbon monoxide alarm and understanding how it works prior to starting your journey.
The sole method to detect carbon monoxide exposure is through a detector, hence it’s crucial to carry one when traveling. This ensures you can become alerted, leave your surroundings immediately, and contact 911, especially if located within a public facility, thus preventing potential fatalities and injuries to others.
We often believe that when we stay in hotels or other public buildings, we are secure and adequate safeguards are already provided. However, the absence of regulations for installing carbon monoxide detectors poses a significant issue. Therefore, it’s crucial to take matters into our own hands.
Hauschildt added: “This genuinely is a widespread issue, and it should be acknowledged as such.”
We should not treat carbon monoxide as if its behavior changes based on the type of building it’s in.
Carbon monoxide exhibits consistent behavior, and the most effective way to counteract it is by installing carbon monoxide detectors in suitable locations—ensuring these regulations are upheld regardless of geographical location.
The two visitors staying at the Royal Kahal following the fatalities of Naqqad, Mallah, and El Arar—whom Sanggraloka recognizes as ‘Jane’ and ‘Alice’—mentioned that they carried a carbon monoxide detector but were uncertain about using it correctly.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency suggests placing a portable detector close to sleeping zones inside hotels or rented properties, making sure the alert is sufficiently loud to rouse you during slumber.
Hauschildt mentioned that despite hotels or rentals having carbon monoxide detectors, it’s crucial to carry your own when traveling internationally since the destination country might lack adequate safety protocols.
Following the media coverage of the three fatalities in Belize within the United States, Jane and Alice contacted the Royal Kahal to inquire whether it remained secure for them to continue their stay at the seaside resort.
On February 25, a worried Jane messaged the hotel via Facebook, querying, “Is it safe to visit?” These messages were provided to SANGGRALOKAshow.
In reply, a spokesperson named ‘Daniel’ confirmed that she should not worry about any safety concerns at the Royal Kahal. He stated that the ‘unfortunate event’ with Naqqad, Mallah, and El Arar was beyond their jurisdiction.
“Although we’re still awaiting an official statement from the authorities, all indications suggest this was likely due to a drug overdose,” penned Daniel.
‘Although these conditions are regrettable, the hotel had no means of avoiding these fatalities.’
The hotel representative additionally guaranteed Jane that each suite at the Royal Kahal was equipped with both smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, further stating: “you can be confident that your visit here will be entirely worry-free.”
Alice sent an identical message to the hotel but did not get any reply.
The pair of women, together with their circle of friends, proceeded with their plans and reached the island of San Pedro on March 1 – exactly seven days following the discovery of Naqqad, Mallah, and El Arar’s lifeless bodies.
Right away, Jane and Alice mentioned, they noticed something amiss.
Although the employees were friendly, numerous notices were posted throughout the hotel indicating that they would be performing smoke detector inspections the next day from 9 AM to 3 PM.
The women did not hear any fire drill alarms during their stay, but upon returning to their room on the second day of their trip, they discovered that all the smoke detectors had been taken off the walls.
At that point, inquiries regarding the fatalities of Naqqad, Mallah, and El Arar were continuing; however, regional authorities had declared in public that carbon monoxide was not likely involved, stating that preliminary examinations did not reveal anything suspicious at the site.
Intrigued about the removal of the detectors, Alice contacted the reception to inquire if they needed to be reinstalled. However, she was informed not to do so and was asked to place them on the countertop instead, where they stayed throughout her entire visit.
On March 5th, and most of the following day, March 6th, both the gas supply and hot water were discontinued. The gas service faced another cutoff on March 8th.
Given subsequent events, the women think that shutting off the gas and water was the hotel’s way of trying to manage the high carbon monoxide levels found within the resort, which local authorities were said to have discovered later.
“I genuinely hope we had scrutinized it more back then, but we truly didn’t believe there was anything amiss,” stated Alice.
It was a pleasant place to stay, and when you’re on vacation, you don’t expect to worry about things like carbon monoxide poisoning or strange accidents ruining your sleep for the next day.
I mean, we were already aware of not consuming tap water or being cautious with specific foods sold on the streets, so we weren’t entirely uninformed.
However, we were informed that the hotel was the latest addition to the island and came equipped with state-of-the-art amenities. Given how expensive the suite was, we simply assumed it would be secure.
After five days into the journey, Jane experienced a fright.
Early in the morning, she woke up to discover that her left leg had become entirely numb, accompanied by feelings of dizziness, blurry vision, and a persistent headache.
When trying to stand up to head to the bathroom, Jane mentioned that she fell onto the floor and remained there for about 40 minutes, paralyzed and unable to move.
Following this, she remained beside the open window for another three hours until she could move freely once more.
Jane mentioned that her symptoms lasted for a week after she got back home.
Alice and her fellow travelers were also encountering unusual symptoms such as blurry sight, weariness, and persistent migraines — indicators commonly associated with carbon monoxide intoxication.
“My symptoms weren’t as severe as Jane’s; I mainly experienced headaches along with some blurry vision,” explained Alice.
It was terrible; I recall saying to my spouse that I had to locate my glasses, and they responded that they were already perched on my nose.
Only upon returning home, following a string of reports from SANGGRALOKA, did the two women connect their symptoms to potential carbon monoxide poisoning.
They simply thought they were experiencing typical exhaustion associated with travel overseas and excessive exposure to sunlight.
Alice carried a portable carbon monoxide detector but admitted she didn’t know how to use it since she hadn’t tested it prior to their departure.
She maintained the detector in her bedroom, positioned as far as possible from the suite’s kitchen and water heater.
Alice mentioned that as she was preparing herself one morning, she glanced down and noticed the phrase “three digits” displayed on the CO detector’s screen.
“I can’t recall whether it was in the hundreds, two hundreds, or three hundreds, or something else,” said Alice.
However, it wasn’t until I returned home, emptied my suitcase, and noticed it said 0 that I understood something must have been amiss at the hotel.
Now I feel incredibly foolish because we should have been more cautious. However, we were informed that the other visitors had succumbed to an overdose, which led us not to consider carbon monoxide at all.
The text message from the U.S. Embassy they received on March 7th, the final evening of their trip, was what truly unsettled Jane, Alice, and their companions.
The team had spent the day drinking aboard a boat circling the island when they got back to land and noticed multiple missed calls along with a voicemail urgently asking them to contact the embassy immediately.
A guy friend called, and he was informed that it would be ‘in their best interest to exit the hotel and look for another place to spend the night.’
When the male friend inquired about the reason, the embassy declined to provide further details, stating that it was solely for their safety considerations.
Jane, Alice, and their party went back to the hotel only to discover multiple people in suits stationed in the hotel’s lobby.
A person whom Jane thinks served as Royal Kahal’s general manager told them that the hotel would close for the week. However, they were given the choice to remain until their last night if they deemed it safe enough to stay.
After spending the entire day out partying and having limited options left on such short notice, they opted to spend the night at the hotel.
They were the sole occupants of the premises that evening and departed for the United States the following day.
Alice mentioned that upon returning home, she contacted the embassy and learned that multiple rooms at the hotel had been discovered to have elevated levels of carbon monoxide.
The embassy chose not to comment and directed SANGGRALOKA inquiries to local authorities, who received several requests for clarification.
Over the past few weeks, a toxicology report has verified that Naqqad, Mallah, and El Arar all succumbed to acute pulmonary edema—a buildup of fluid in their lungs—caused by inhaling excessive amounts of carbon monoxide.
The local authorities suspect that a faulty water heater in the ladies’ restroom was responsible for causing their fatalities.
Every woman who was tested showed carbon monoxide saturation levels of approximately 60 percent. Levels as low as 40 percent can be fatal.
In a statement to SANGGRALOKA, a representative from Royal Kahal stated that the fatalities were considered an ‘isolated incident.’ They also mentioned that the hotel has resumed its operations.
The statement, dated March 26, indicated that although the official cause of the tragic incident had not yet been announced by the authorities, early signs suggested that the toxicology report would likely attribute the deaths to carbon monoxide poisoning.
Since the moment this secluded incident came to light, we have taken every conceivable measure to guarantee the safety of the Resort. It has been open to visitors again starting from March 19th.
‘We have collaborated with the Belizean government, and local authorities have carried out several thorough evaluations of each section of the premises. All these inspections confirmed that none of the areas exhibit hazardous concentrations of carbon monoxide.’
This tragedy has profoundly impacted everyone at the Royal Kahal Beach Resort. Our thoughts are with the families and beloved ones of the young women during this immensely challenging period.
The Chief Medical Examiner’s office in the women’s home state of Massachusetts is carrying out a second autopsy for the three individuals, with the process still continuing.
The hotel has yet to comment on what Jane and Alice have claimed.
A comment posted on the hotel’s TripAdvisor page mentioned that another visitor reported “alarmingly high” carbon monoxide levels during their stay in February.
Jane and Alice express feeling immensely fortunate to have experienced just slight symptoms, yet their hearts ache for the families of Naqqad, Mallah, and El Arar.
Their hearts also ache for the family of Miller Gardner.
‘It’s just all so tragic,’ said Jane.
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