A Durban couple died after allegedly inhaling fumes when an apartment opposite theirs was fumigated, said paramedics.

The incident happened on Wednesday.

Netcare 911 spokesperson Shawn Herbst said the bodies were found by a relative.

“Reports indicate a family went to speak to family members as their phones were not being answered. On arrival of the family member, who entered the flat, two relatives were found unresponsive,” said Herbst.

“The emergency services were immediately notified, who arrived on the scene within minutes. On scene were the eThekwini fire and rescue services, SAPS explosives unit and Berea SAPS. It was established that an adjoining vacant flat had been fumigated using a white powder-like substance. Firemen used an industrial fan to clear the toxic fumes.

“A Netcare 911 rescue technician with the fire department used self-contained breathing apparatus to enter the home unit, where they found an adult male and an adult female unresponsive in the bed. Both patients were assessed [but] showed no signs of life and were sadly declared deceased.”

The matter has been handed over to the police.

TimesLIVE