7 Hospitalized After Major Carbon Monoxide Exposure Incident In Naugatuck, Fire Officials Say

NAUGATUCK, CT — The fire department responded to a carbon monoxide exposure at 189 Allerton Road, officials said.

At 11:30 p.m. Saturday, firefighters responded to an urgent multi-patient incident at 189 Allerton Road involving suspected carbon monoxide (CO) exposure. The initial EMS call was for a 5-year-old experiencing difficulty breathing, fire officials said.

Police officers assisted with evacuating the building. Naugatuck EMS requested additional resources due to the number of patients.

"A high level of CO was detected inside the residence, with readings exceeding 500 parts per million (ppm)," the fire department said. "For reference, anything over 8 ppm is considered unsafe in a living area. EMS transported seven occupants for evaluation and treatment to Waterbury Hospital and St. Mary’s Hospital with support from Beacon Hose Co. No. 1, Bethany Volunteer Fire Department, Hatzalah EMS, and VEMS."

"The cause of the CO release, as well as potential building and fire code violations, are under active investigation by: Naugatuck Building Department, Naugatuck Fire Marshal’s Office, Naugatuck Police Department," the fire department said.

The fire department also said, "CO exposure can have serious, sometimes fatal, health consequences. Residents should: Install CO detectors in key areas of the home and replace batteries regularly. Ensure furnaces, boilers, water heaters, and other fuel-burning appliances are routinely inspected and properly vented. Evacuate immediately and call 911 if you suspect CO exposure, noting symptoms such as headache, dizziness, confusion, nausea, or shortness of breath."