Manarcaud, Kottayam: A Malayali couple settled in the US died of asphyxiation caused by smoke from a minor explosion in the compressor of their car’s air-conditioner.
The deceased were identified as Manarcaud Mattathil M.A. Kuruvila aka Kunju, 83, and his wife Leelamma, 73. They have been living in East Philadelphia for several years.
The funeral will be held at the St Peter’s Orthodox Church in Philadelphia on Saturday.
The tragedy took place on Thursday night when their car’s air conditioner exploded and fumes emanating from the compressor spread to their bedroom. Both died after inhaling the toxic gas that engulfed their apartment following the explosion, the police said.
The family, which moved to the U.S. 44 years ago, had visited their ancestral home in Manarcaud two years ago, their relatives said.
Kuruvila was working with a private firm while Leelamma, who belonged to the Anikkadu Enattu family in Mallappally, was a nurse. The couple has three children, Suja, Latha and Saju, who are settled in the US.