Teens' death sparks call to limit gas sales

A coroner wants butane sales restricted to people aged over 18 after finding the "dangerous product" killed two Nelson teenagers who inhaled it for a high.

Ian Smith's call followed an inquest on Monday into the deaths of Steven Limmer, 19, and John Morgan-Peka, 15.

At the inquest Mr Smith was told both teenagers inhaled butane obtained from The Warehouse in Nelson. Mr Morgan-Peka stole the gas while Mr Limmer used gas bought by an acquaintance.

Butane, which is used to fuel camping stoves and cigarette lighters, produces a dizzying high lasting about 30 seconds. At $3 a canister, it is considered a cheap high by young people.

Mr Limmer died last December. The court was told his friends thought he was "wasted" after inhaling butane and left him to sleep. His twin brother found him dead next morning.

Less than a month later, Mr Morgan-Peka died after inhaling the gas.

Zeb Webster told the court he and Mr Morgan-Peka took turns huffing on the butane. Mr Morgan-Peka seemed fine, but then "freaked out", he said.

"His eyes were really big and he was yelling out he would be back soon."

Mr Morgan-Peka then fell backwards on to the ground and did not move. Emergency services were called but Mr Morgan-Peka died before he arrived at hospital.

Speaking outside the court, Warehouse spokeswoman Cynthia Church said it voluntarily restricted butane sales in February following the deaths.

Butane was no longer kept on the shelf and buyers had to show identification proving they were over 16.

"We're not allowed to restrict sales above the age of 16 based on human rights legislation."

In court, Mr Smith commended The Warehouse for its initiatives.

Associate Health Minister Jim Anderton said he was seeking an amendment to the Misuse of Drugs Act to classify substances such as butane, petrol, glue and paint as class D drugs. If passed, it would be possible to take the products from the shelf and restrict the age of buyers.

- NZPA