Surat: A tragic incident unfolded in the Lal Gate area on Tuesday after three members of a family, a couple and their 12-year-old son were found dead inside their home, with preliminary findings pointing to asphyxiation caused by a suspected gas leak.

The deceased were identified as Faiz Ahmed Saiyed (40), his wife Mubina Ahmed, and their son Noman. Their bodies were found early in the morning by a relative. Police said Saiyed jointly owned a chemical unit in Pandesara along with his three brothers. The couple’s 13-year-old daughter survived as she had stayed overnight at a relative’s residence.

Following the post-mortem examination, medical experts indicated that asphyxiation due to a gas leak was the likely cause of death.

The family had returned to Surat just four days earlier after performing Umrah in Saudi Arabia. Concern arose when they did not wake up at their usual time and the child failed to leave for school. Despite repeated knocks, there was no response, prompting relatives to break open the door, where they found the three lying lifeless inside.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 3) Raghav Jain said the victims were found frothing at the mouth. He added that forensic teams suspect asphyxiation from a gas leak, noting that an air conditioner and gas geyser were installed in a common enclosed space where officers also experienced suffocation. While food poisoning has not been completely ruled out, it is considered less likely. Blood samples and other evidence have been sent for detailed forensic analysis to confirm the exact cause.

Police believe the placement of the gas geyser inside the room, rather than in a ventilated area, may have led to the fatal gas buildup. Forensic experts estimate the deaths may have occurred around 3 am, as the victims inhaled the leaking gas in their sleep. All three were found in separate rooms of the apartment.

Lal Gate police have registered a case of accidental death and initiated further investigation. DeshGujarat