A mum, her daughter and a gran were found dead after apparently using picnic barbeque kits to cook a meal inside their apartment.
Police in Belo Horizonte, in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, believe all three died from carbon monoxide poisoning caused by fumes from burning charcoal.
Gran Cristina Antonini, 66, her 40-year-old daughter Daniela Antonini and one year-old Giovanna Antonini Vasconcelos were found dead on 9th May by worried family members.
Picture shows Daniela Antonini, her daughter Giovanna Antonini Vasconcelos, and her mother Cristina Antonini, undated. Three people of the same family were found dead in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, on May 09, 2025. Note: private photo taken from social media. (Newsflash/NX)
Divorced Daniela's former mother-in-law went to the 13th floor apartment after being unable to contact the family for four days.
After getting no answer she turned to the building superintendent Raquel Moreira for help.
Moreira said: "As soon as I arrived, I smelled a very strong odour and called the police."
Inside officers found the entire family and four dogs dead and the remains of burned charcoal in aluminium trays from picnic barbeque kits.
Police spokesperson Douglas Motta told local media: "We are working with forensic experts to determine the exact cause of death.
Picture shows Giovanna Antonini Vasconcelos, undated. Three people of the same family were found dead in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, on May 09, 2025. Note: private photo taken from social media. (Newsflash/NX)
"There are no immediate signs of third-party involvement."
The victims' bodies have been sent to Brazil's Legal Medical Institute for autopsies and toxicology testing.
Police also noted the presence of cleaning products and medicines scattered throughout the apartment and said a strong chemical smell was detected at the scene.
One neighbour told local media: "We heard nothing unusual that night. Everything was quiet."
Safety experts warn against the use of picnic barbeque kits indoors as the burning charcoal releases deadly carbon monoxide fumes, even after they have been extinguished.
(MJ Leidig/newsX)