by Ronan McSherry
It is believed that a 73-year-old man from Coa, Trillick, who was found dead in his home last Wednesday morning (November 19), was overcome by carbon monoxide fumes from a cooker.
Widower, Johnny Tummons, lived alone with his dog which also died in the tragedy. Johnny's wife Mary passed away 11 years ago.
Mr Tummons was a mechanic employed by Ulsterbus in Enniskillen before his retirement.
Local councillor, Peter Kelly, knew the deceased man well. "It is very sad," he said. "Johnny lived alone with his wee dog. He was a very popular man and well known throughout the locality. He was involved in different activities including a band, bowls, and football. He was a very active man and popular in the area. Johnny will be sadly missed and our condolences go out to his sons and brother and sister.
Mr Tummons funeral Mass took place in St Mary's Church, Coa, followed by interment in the adjoining cemetery. He is survived by his sons Colm, Brendan, Eamon and John, and brother and sister Paddy and Kathleen
A police spokesman said, "A post-mortem examination was carried out, as a result of which police do not suspect a crime. As is routine in cases of unexplained sudden death, a report will be prepared for the coroner."
The tragedy occurred during
Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week. The North's Chief Medical Officer, Dr Michael McBride has written to health professionals to alert them to the signs and symptoms to look out for in patients, and provide them with information to share with their patients on the steps to take to prevent exposure.
Meanwhile, this week, when warned about a separate suspected carbon monoxide poisoning risk, by the Ulster Herald, Omagh council officials took five days to respond (see page 3).
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas which causes a small number of deaths and hospital admissions each year across the North. It can be given off by appliances that burn fossil fuels such as gas, coal, wood or oil, if they're not working properly, if the flue is blocked in any way, or if the room is not properly ventilated.
Carbon monoxide is odourless, colourless and tasteless, which makes it difficult to detect. Medical experts advise that if a person develops any of the following unexplained symptoms - drowsiness, headaches, chest pains, giddiness, sickness, diarrhoea, stomach pains - they could be suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning. Switch off your appliances and see your doctor at once.
Most cases of carbon monoxide poisoning are due to inadequate ventilation or poor maintenance of appliances, blocked or leaky flues and chimneys. A spokesperson for the Fire Service said that chimneys should be cleaned regularly.
