Amman: The Parliamentary Energy and Mineral Resources Committee on Sunday addressed incidents linked to unsafe heating appliances, following recent fatalities due to gas-related asphyxiation.
According to Jordan News Agency, Chair of the committee MP Ayman Abu Hanieh highlighted that several lives had been lost recently due to gas leaks from a particular heater. He emphasized the committee's commitment to exercising its oversight role to hold those responsible accountable. Abu Hanieh asserted that citizen safety is a priority and commended security agencies for their efforts in protecting lives across the Kingdom. The issue will continue to be reviewed pending the final technical reports on the incidents.
Members of Parliament present at the meeting called for strict accountability, enhanced public awareness campaigns, and clear warnings to citizens about the improper use of heating appliances. Civil Defense Director Brigadier General Nasser Suwailemeen stated that awareness efforts had been intensified to educate the public on the safe use of heating appliances, cautioning against unsafe practices. He reported that the number of deaths had reached 11, with several injured individuals rescued. The incidents were connected to the use of the same type of heating appliance.
Minister of Industry, Trade, and Supply Yarub Qudah mentioned that samples of the heaters involved in the fatalities had been sent to the Royal Scientific Society for technical examination to determine the causes. Retailers have been instructed to suspend sales of the appliances until the results are released, with a warning that violations would be subject to legal penalties. Sales of 5,000 units have already been halted. He stressed that there would be no leniency in pursuing responsibility, and the case would be referred to the Public Prosecutor's Office for legal action.
Director General of the Standards and Metrology Department Abeer Zuhair stated that inspection teams conducted 95 market inspections and 38 factory inspections during the past winter season, collecting 34 samples referred to the Royal Scientific Society. She added that 73 non-compliant samples were destroyed, and 21 suspected heaters were withdrawn from the market.