Amman, Dec. 14 (Petra) – The Parliamentary Energy and Mineral Resources Committee on Sunday discussed incidents linked to unsafe heating appliances, amid recent fatalities caused by gas-related asphyxiation.

Chair of the committee MP Ayman Abu Hanieh said several lives had been lost in recent days due to gas leaks from a specific heater, underlining that the committee would exercise its oversight role to hold those responsible accountable.

Abu Hanieh stressed that the safety of citizens is non-negotiable, commending the efforts of security agencies in protecting lives across the Kingdom. He said the issue would remain under review pending the issuance of final technical reports into the incidents.

Members of Parliament attending the meeting called for strict accountability, intensified public awareness campaigns, and clear warnings to citizens against the improper use of heating appliances.

Civil Defense Director Brigadier General Nasser Suwailemeen said awareness efforts had been intensified to educate the public on the safe use of heating appliances, warning against unsafe practices. He noted that the number of deaths had reached 11, with several injured individuals rescued, adding that the incidents were linked to the use of the same type of heating appliance.

Minister of Industry, Trade, and Supply Yarub Qudah said samples of the heaters involved in the fatalities had been sent to the Royal Scientific Society for technical examination to determine the causes. He added that retailers had been instructed to suspend sales of the appliances until the results are released, warning that violations would be subject to legal penalties. Sales of 5,000 units have already been halted.

He said there would be no leniency in pursuing responsibility, noting that the case would be referred to the Public Prosecutor’s Office for legal action.

Director General of the Standards and Metrology Department Abeer Zuhair said inspection teams carried out 95 market inspections and 38 factory inspections during the past winter season, collecting 34 samples that were referred to the Royal Scientific Society. She added that 73 non-compliant samples were destroyed and 21 suspected heaters were withdrawn from the market.

//Petra// AJ