9 Hospitalized From Carbon Monoxide Poisoning In Melrose Park
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Nine people were hospitalized early Wednesday, after suffering apparent carbon monoxide poisoning at a home in west suburban Melrose Park.
Someone in the home at 601 Rose Dr. called 911 at 6 a.m. to report a medical emergency.
Neighbors said one resident was getting up for work, and suddenly felt sick. He went to the bathroom, and found another resident was vomiting. That's when someone called 911.
When firefighters and paramedics arrived, they found nine people, four children and five adults – suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning.
Melrose Park Fire Chief Rick Beltrame said one adult was unresponsive, but was revived.
"He was unconscious when … our ambulance arrived. They gave him oxygen, and he came to," he said.
All nine people were taken to hospitals, but were expected to survive. Beltrame says the four kids are all grade school age and one is handicapped.
The victims were in bedrooms above the garage, where a Ford Mustang had been left running. The attached garage was full of clutter, and the car was boxed in by four other vehicles parked in the driveway.
"You could get in off the passenger's side to start the car, but why you would do that, I don't know," Beltrame said.
Melrose Park Police say this older model Ford Mustang was left running in the closed attached garage, to keep it maintained. The family member that started it, went upstairs, but fell asleep.
Six Chihuahuas in the home also were rescued, and taken outside to the fresh air.
"They were okay," Beltrame said.
The Melrose Park Department of Health has declared the home a health hazard. It's unclear when residents will be allowed back inside.
Police were investigating why the car was left running in a closed garage.