Dry Cleaners Employees, Cop Sickened By Carbon Monoxide

CREST HILL, IL — A section of Larkin Avenue near Route 30 in Crest Hill was closed just after 1 p.m. Friday as firefighters responded to what was initially reported as a possible gas leak at National Cleaners, 1708 N. Larkin Ave. Lockport Township Fire Protection District Deputy Chief Frank Blaskey said a customer who entered the business found two employees who were sick and feeling as if they were going to pass out.

The customer exited the cleaners and called 911. Lockport Township firefighters who arrived had to assist both employees out of the building, where they received medical treatment.

Blaskey said three people were transported to local hospitals, including the two dry cleaners employees and a Crest Hill police officer who began feeling ill after responding to the scene and entering the building.

An investigation by the Southwest Hazmat Team determined the illness was not caused by a gas leak, but by a problem with the building's heating system that created high levels of carbon monoxide.

Just after 3 p.m., officials said the issue was resolved and Larkin Avenue had reopened. Larkin was closed between Theodore Street and Route 30 for about two hours.