A family of three in Qingyuan, Guangdong, parked inside a tunnel to rest with the AC running, leading to carbon monoxide poisoning and unconsciousness. Road administration staff broke the window, ventilated the vehicle, and rushed them to hospital—all survived.

Social Context

Tunnel rest stops are prohibited under China’s Highway Safety Regulations due to CO accumulation risks in confined spaces. The 2024 ‘Tunnel Vigilance System’ mandates AI cameras that detect stationary vehicles and auto-alert patrols within 60 seconds.

Safety Tip

Never idle engines in enclosed spaces—even with windows cracked; use portable CO detectors with <30 ppm alarm thresholds and install them near sleeping areas in RVs or long-haul vehicles.