Boiler link to worker tragedy

A retired Black Country factory worker who died after being found collapsed at home may have been poisoned by fumes from a blocked boiler.

The victim's wife and son were also treated in hospital after an ambulance crew was called to the home in Stuart Road, Halesowen.

Rattan Singh Nagra, aged 73, died at Russells Hall Hospital on Sunday.

Coroner Robin Balmain said it was likely Mr Nagra had died from carbon monoxide poisoning.

The tragedy prompted a warning from the coroner for people to get their boilers regularly serviced.

Mr Balmain told a Smethwick inquest yesterday: "An assessment carried out at the premises showed a boiler was blocked, it hadn't been serviced for a long time.

"Vents were covered with dirt and fluff, the external vent was partially blocked.

"The cause of death is yet to be ascertained, but it seems to me likely that it is going to be related to carbon monoxide poisoning."

The inquest was adjourned.