On December 12, 2024, the news of the “Elderly Vegetable Seller in Hunan Dies from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning while Using Fire for Warmth in His Cart” has evoked sympathy and mourning from many internet users, prompting discussions and landing the topic on the hot search list on the 12th.
According to a report by The Elephant News on December 11, an elderly man in his 60s in Qiyang County, Hunan, had set up a vegetable stall late at night near the agricultural market in Qiyang County to secure a good spot for selling his produce. Several types of vegetables were neatly arranged on the roadside. Due to the late hour and cold weather, he lit a charcoal stove inside his cart to keep warm and went to sleep. Tragically, he was found dead when discovered.
Local emergency services confirmed that the elderly man died due to carbon monoxide poisoning.
This heart-wrenching tragedy has sparked discussions on social media platforms. Local authorities have stated that they are investigating the incident.
Netizens online have reflected on the unfortunate death of the elderly man, viewing it not just as a simple accident but a profound moment for contemplating life safety. There are calls for measures to safeguard the rights and safety of laborers to prevent similar tragedies from occurring again.
Some netizens expressed their sadness, imagining how heartbroken the elderly man’s children must be upon hearing the news.
One netizen remarked, “Poorly dressed to keep warm, with concerns about the low price of vegetables and the cold weather”.
“After all, having a good stall allows for selling more vegetables and making more money. Nowadays, ordinary people do have it tough, not to mention the elderly who struggle even more to earn money as they don’t have high pensions. They can only rely on selling vegetables to make some income. In the end, he left his life there, forever in the darkness, quietly passing away without anyone knowing, a profound sorrow indeed.”
“The grassroots, especially farmers, can only toil the land to sell agricultural products, all in pursuit of making more money.”
“Economic incomes in rural areas are particularly low, and some elderly individuals don’t want to rely on their children for a living or support. They depend on their own efforts to earn a little by little, trying to lighten the burden on their children. This is what Chinese parents do! Therefore, these elderly individuals wake up early and work late, selling vegetables or farming, just to live a better life.”