A young girl was left orphaned in a horrific incident after her entire family succumbed to a lethal gas released by rotting potatoes stored in their cellar.
The Tragic Sequence of Events
In 2014, in the town of Laishevo near Kazan, Russia, an eight-year-old girl named Maria Chelyshev suffered an unimaginable loss. Her father, Mikhail Chelyshev, 42, a respected law professor, was the first to enter the family's basement. When he failed to return, his wife Anastasia, 38, went to look for him and was also overcome.
The couple's 18-year-old son, Georgy, then ventured into the cellar searching for his parents, meeting the same fate. Anastasia's mother, Iraida, 68, grew concerned and alerted a neighbour. Before help could arrive, however, she too entered the basement and died.
Maria, who had not gone into the cellar, later discovered the bodies of her father, mother, brother, and grandmother. Local investigators confirmed the cause, stating: "They all died of gas poisoning which has accumulated in the basement as a result of badly rotting potatoes."
The Hidden Danger in Common Vegetables
The tragedy was caused by toxic compounds called glycoalkaloids, commonly solanine and chaconine, which are naturally present in potatoes. When potatoes rot, these toxins can be released as a dangerous gas, affecting the nervous system and leading to confusion, weakness, and death.
While such fatal incidents are extremely rare, this case serves as a stark warning about the importance of proper food storage. Specialists from institutions like Michigan State University advise the public to take precautions to prevent any risk.
Essential Safety Advice for Potato Storage
To minimise any potential hazard, experts recommend a series of simple but critical steps. Always store potatoes in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated place, and avoid exposing them to light.
You should discard any potatoes that show the following signs:
- A green tint to the skin or flesh.
- Signs of sprouting ('eyes') or decay.
- Any mould or a soft, spoiled texture.
If you discover spoiled potatoes, ensure you ventilate the area thoroughly and clean it to disperse any accumulated gases. This tragic event underscores that even everyday staples must be handled with care to ensure household safety.
