A British citizen, aged 40, was found dead this afternoon on a farm in Son Barbassa, Cala Mesquida, in Capdepera, Mallorca. The preliminary assessment points to a gas leak as the cause, traced to a fault in the refrigerator. The deceased’s partner, a 38-year-old woman, was rescued alive and transported to Manacor Hospital with clear signs of carbon monoxide poisoning, a life-threatening condition that requires urgent treatment.
The incident occurred on Saturday around three o’clock in the afternoon. The brother of the British national arrived at Capdepera Local Police with concerns after several hours without communication. Panic and urgency followed as officers were alerted to the possibility that something serious might have happened to the relative. A patrol proceeded to the reported location, and the worst fears were soon confirmed. The couple was found in bed, apparently unconscious, with a strong odor of gas emanating from the house’s refrigerator. Police confirmed that the man was already deceased, while the woman remained breathing but in critical distress.
Emergency medical services and the local doctor were notified immediately. Medical staff confirmed the police assessment and were able to certify only the man’s death. The immediate priority was to stabilize the surviving partner and get her to hospital. She was taken by ambulance to the nearest facility in Manacor, where clinicians treated her serious condition with urgency and care without delay.
Alongside the local police, patrols from the Civil Guard assisted at the scene. Authorities confirmed that the gas leak originated from a pipe feeding the damaged refrigerator, with the refrigerator’s supply line connected to a faulty cylinder. The incident prompted an immediate safety assessment of the premises and surrounding area to prevent further exposure to toxic gases.
Investigators suggest that the man may have died in the early hours, with the woman unconscious for an extended period before help arrived. It appears the fault worsened overnight, causing the gas to fill the master bedroom as the couple slept. The property where the tragedy occurred belongs to the deceased man’s father and was not the couple’s usual residence; they had reportedly been staying there for only a few days prior to the event.
The situation underscores the dangers of gas leaks in residential settings and the vital importance of early detection, proper ventilation, and swift medical response. Local authorities continue to investigate the exact sequence of events and the responsible mechanical failures, while ensuring clear guidance for residents on gas safety and emergency procedures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.