Contents:
- Details of the incident
- Cause of carbon monoxide exposure
- Impact on nearby residents
- Safety reminders about carbon monoxide
Details of the incident
The incident occurred in a home on Granville Street, north of Montreal Road. Emergency services received a call at 9 a.m. from a family friend who found the residents in distress. Upon arrival, police and paramedics discovered that ten people inside the house had varying degrees of carbon monoxide poisoning.
The affected individuals were quickly transported to multiple hospitals. All four children are in stable condition, while one adult remains in life-threatening condition. The remaining adults are also in serious but stable condition, according to authorities.
Cause of carbon monoxide exposure
The carbon monoxide poisoning was traced to a running vehicle inside a closed garage. The lack of ventilation allowed exhaust fumes to accumulate to dangerous levels. According to Ottawa Police Inspector Scott Pettis, the family had started the vehicle to warm it up without realizing the importance of opening the garage door to ventilate the area.
Inspector Pettis noted that the family recently moved to Canada and might not have been familiar with the dangers of carbon monoxide in enclosed spaces. The gas company conducted thorough checks to ensure the area was safe before families could return to their homes.
Impact on nearby residents
The incident affected not only the household but also two adjoining townhomes. Area Councillor Stephanie Plante confirmed that all families in the connected homes were evacuated for safety. Nearby residents expressed shock and concern.
- Victoria Robinson, a nearby resident, described the scene as alarming, witnessing emergency crews performing chest compressions on two individuals.
- Nicholas Laplante, another neighbor, shared that he welcomed one of the affected families into his home during the evacuation, offering shelter from the cold.
Safety reminders about carbon monoxide
Police have urged residents to ensure that all fire and carbon monoxide alarms are in working order. Carbon monoxide is an odorless and colorless gas, often referred to as the silent killer. It can be deadly in high concentrations, causing symptoms like dizziness, vomiting, headaches, and loss of consciousness.
Residents are reminded to ventilate areas where combustion appliances are used and to never leave vehicles running in enclosed spaces. Working alarms are crucial for early detection and prevention of tragedies like this.
This incident has highlighted the importance of safety precautions and community support. Neighbors and first responders acted quickly to assist those affected, demonstrating compassion in a challenging situation. Authorities continue to investigate to ensure the safety of all residents and prevent similar incidents in the future.
source: CTV News
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