BREAKING NEWS: An electrical appliance company has warned customers that its fridge freezers could catch fire – just weeks after an inquest heard another of their appliances killed two Co Donegal pensioners.
BEKO has sent thousands of leaflets to customers across Donegal today warning them their Frost-Free Fridge Freezers are a potential fire hazard.
It comes in the wake of an inquest which found that two elderly women died from carbon monoxide poisoning from another BEKO product.
Neighbours Annie Gallagher 84, and Sarah McDyer, 79, died when a gas-cooker in Ms Gallagher’s home in Glenties released the toxic fumes on September 4th, 2009.
Electrical manufacturer Beko had been involved in a recall of a number of their cookers following the death of a Cork student Alexis Landry, 21, in similar circumstances, when the tragedy involving the two women occurred.
The inquest heard how Ms Gallagher was still clutching a teacup in her hand while slumped in a chair while Ms McDyer was at her feet when they were found.
Up to six deaths in Ireland and England were directed connected to similar Flavel cookers or other Beko brands, the inquest was also told.
Of the 5,375 potential killer cookers made, the inquest was told by the National Consumer Agency that 1,300 were still unaccounted for on the Irish market.
Now BEKO are advising Irish customers to examine 36 different models of fridge freezers which were manufactured between 2000 and 2006.
A statement form the company warned “In a very small number of cases we have found that the defrost timer on a certain production range of Beko frost-free fridge freezers can fail, overheat and cause a potential fire hazard.
“As a responsible manufacturer, we are doing all we can to contact the owners of affected models and make the required modification, free of charge.”
The company has set up special phonelines and a website for customers who think they may have one of the potentially dangerous fridges.
All affected models can be viewed on the Beko website www.beko.ie or further information is available by calling 1800 252925.
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