Three men from Kansas City, Missouri, lost their lives, and another is in critical condition in the hospital due to suspected carbon monoxide poisoning in the Sheffield neighborhood, approximately five miles east of downtown.
Emergency responders from the Kansas City Fire Department received a call around 6:50 a.m. reporting carbon monoxide at a residence. Upon arrival, they discovered three Hispanic males aged between 20 and 40 dead inside the home. Another man, estimated to be between 30 and 40 years old, was transported to a hospital in critical condition.
According to Michael Hopkins, a spokesperson for the Kansas City Fire Department, the preliminary cause is suspected to be the indoor use of a generator. However, the investigation is ongoing.
Carbon monoxide poisoning incidents often occur when people attempt to protect themselves from cold weather, as seen during a deadly storm in Texas a few years ago.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas that can be lethal. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains that it can be produced by the combustion of fuel in vehicles, small engines, stoves, lanterns, grills, fireplaces, or furnaces.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can mimic those of the flu, and it can be especially dangerous if a person is sleeping or has consumed alcohol. Each year, more than 400 Americans die from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning not linked to fires, with over 100,000 emergency room visits and more than 14,000 hospitalizations, according to the CDC.
To prevent and detect carbon monoxide poisoning, the CDC recommends installing battery-powered carbon monoxide detectors in homes, particularly in bedrooms so that alarms can wake those who are sleeping. If anyone suspects carbon monoxide poisoning, immediate contact with 911 is advised.