Ontario farmer likely killed by toxic fumes from his own pigs, police say

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Tuesday September 24 8:25 PM EST Yahoo! News

INNERKIP, Ont. (CP) - Toxic fumes from his own pigs may have killed a southwestern Ontario man who was found dead in his barn last week. It appears Maurice Vanboekel, 65, was overcome by fumes, Oxford Community Police said Tuesday.

"We are working under the premise that he died from fumes," said Karen Acheson, regional supervisor coroner for central west Ontario.

"But it is still under investigation."

These types of farms deaths have happened in the area, said police Chief Ron Fraser.

"We have had deaths before because of toxic gases in liquid and air. This is not the first time someone has succumbed to toxic gas," Fraser said.

"It's something that can easily happen," added Greg Haskett, president of Oxford County's Pork Producers Association.

"It's a risk that most people know is there, but you cut corners and accidents happen."

(Woodstock Sentinel-Review)

-- Anonymous, September 25, 2002


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