Tragic incident in Nainital: Cab driver Manish Gandhar dies of carbon monoxide poisoning while sleeping in his taxi with windows closed and coal heater burning. Authorities urge safe practices; push for cheap driver lodgings grows.
A cab driver from Mathura, Manish Gandhar, was found dead inside his parked taxi in Nainital's Sukhatal area on December 27, after succumbing to carbon monoxide poisoning from a lit coal angithi (brazier) in a sealed vehicle. Gandhar, who had ferried tourists from Noida to the hill station, parked his car around 9 PM on December 26 and ignited the heater to combat the night's chill, leading to fatal asphyxiation.
Local police, upon discovery the next morning, broke into the vehicle and rushed Gandhar to BD Pandey District Hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival. A post-mortem examination confirmed the cause as carbon monoxide buildup from incomplete coal combustion in the confined space. Authorities noted the windows were fully closed, exacerbating the hazard.
The incident, captured in a viral video showing police inspecting the scene, has highlighted the dangers of using open-flame heaters in enclosed areas during Uttarakhand's harsh winters. Gandhar's body was handed over to his family after legal formalities.
This tragedy underscores a recurring issue for cab drivers servicing tourist hotspots like Nainital, where affordable lodging is scarce amid high hotel rates. Experts and locals suggest establishing low-cost bunk beds or dedicated driver shelters at key locations, potentially through public-private partnerships. Such facilities could provide safe, ventilated resting spots, reducing the need for drivers to improvise in vehicles and averting similar carbon monoxide risks.
As tourism booms in hill stations, authorities are urged to prioritize these measures alongside awareness campaigns on safe heating practices.
Suhail Gulati
Suhail Gulati is the founder of ElecTree and an economist by training, with a passion for electric vehicles that goes far beyond numbers and analysis. A former banker turned EV enthusiast, Suhail writes to share the latest insights, trends, and future possibilities in the world of electric mobility. Through ElecTree, he hopes to connect with fellow enthusiasts and anyone curious about the shift toward sustainable transportation. Outside of his work in the EV space, Suhail has a deep love for music, good food, and the thrill of a football match. Whether he’s analyzing market trends or discovering the newest electric innovations, he’s always excited to bring readers along for the journey.