Carbon monoxide overcomes 8 in central Las Vegas
Eight people were poisoned by carbon monoxide early Friday in central Las Vegas.
The Las Vegas Fire Department tweeted that a barbecue grill was being used for heat inside an apartment on North 16th Street near Mesquite Avenue.
All victims were lying on the ground outside when fire and rescue units arrived around 3:15 a.m. The adults and at least two children were taken to University Medical Center. Their conditions are unknown.
Carbon monoxide can build up when people use charcoal grills indoors, a common but dangerous practice used to keep homes warm, Fire Department spokesman Tim Szymanski said.
“There’s no signs or symptoms of carbon monoxide gas,” Szymanski said. “So it overcomes people and they can pass out without warning, and it eventually makes your breathing stop.”
Szymanski said the carbon monoxide readings were at zero when the Fire Department left the apartment. Once the victims are discharged from the hospital, they can return home.
3:15AM. 8 people overcome by Carbon Monoxide and taken to UMC-Trauma result of Bar-be-cue being used in an apt on N. 16th St for heating. All victims were already outside lying on ground when units arrived. Units have cleared scene. Involved both kids & adults. #PIO1News pic.twitter.com/7wjtHCw67s
— Las Vegas FireRescue (@LasVegasFD) November 23, 2018
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