POLICE URGE OWNERS OF MODIFIED CARS TO CHECK FOR EXHAUST LEAKS
WARNING ISSUED FOLLOWING AN IMPROPERLY MODIFIED EXHAUST SYSTEM CAUSING THE DEATHS OF TWO YOUNG ADULTS
Owners of modified cars are being advised to get their exhaust systems checked after two young adults died as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Essex Police stated that exhaust fumes were drawn into the cabin of a modified Ford Fiesta ST, ultimately causing the deaths of Tom Putt, 20, and Nikki Willis, 23.
Detective inspector Rob Kirby explained how a 'unique series of events', namely the "modifications, cold, still weather and engine running while the car was stationary," resulted in their deaths on 9 December 2016.
Kirby said: "Previous work to modify the car had ultimately led to exhaust fumes leaking under the bonnet. These fumes escaped through the vents which had been cut into the bonnet and were drawn back into the car via its heating system."
An inquest heard the pair were found by a neighbour with the Fiesta's engine still running. Officials later declared Putt and Willis dead at the scene.
DI Kirby of Essex Police urges owners of modified vehicles to check that modifications made to their cars do not have unintended consequences. Video credit: Essex Police.
Kirby added: "When modified, vehicles can produce significant quantities of carbon monoxide. This car was found to emit carbon monoxide levels 1000 times higher than a factory vehicle.
"There are inherent dangers in modifying vehicles. So, even if you think you know what you are doing, they can still lead to unintended consequences. Please have your vehicle checked."
A coroner returned a verdict of accidental death.
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Comments (16)
The message here, is that modifying your car is dangerous, which is a load of shit of course. The real message should be to modify your car properly. Reportedly the manifold wasn't fully secure and was leaking fumes, which were then drawn in through the air vents. Any correctly functioning car, modified or not shouldn't be causing any real problems inside the cab. That said, it's a tragic incident, and serves to show the dangers of Carbon monoxide poisoning.
Oh for fucks sake! The exhaust leak was from the Manifold... the cat comes after and changes the gases at the exhaust tip. Just an excuse to bash on motorists.
What happens if I smash out my cats and mufflers except back box
......your engine check light may come on, depends how old it is. Put a threaded bung in the exhaust tube and refit the O2 sensor to keep the system intergrated.
No need , I drive a Roadster
ok
To drive a roadster you gotta be able to breathe carbon monoxide a lot lol unless your on about the poxy smart roadster
......not convinced it wasn't suicide.
It was ruled as accidental due to a modification, NOT SUICIDE
Nailed it!
eBay turbocharger, check
eBay welder, check