4 Taken To Hospital Following Gas Leaks In Keene, NH, Officials Say
KEENE, N.H. (CBS/AP) — Officials say at least four people have been taken to the hospital after experiencing symptoms of exposure to carbon monoxide Saturday in Keene, New Hampshire.
Liberty Utilities officials say the power problem caused operational issues around 9 a.m. Saturday.
"The change in the gas mixture caused gas with a high Btu content to enter the distribution system," the company said in a statement released Saturday. "We are currently investigating the root cause of the issue. Liberty became aware of the problem when the plant's safety system detected a change."
Keene fire officials responded to multiple calls city-wide and have asked neighboring communities for back-up assistance.
Firefighters responded to 104 calls related to the leaks, and at least four people have been taken to the hospital after experiencing symptoms of exposure to carbon monoxide. Two people also went to the emergency room on their own after experiencing similar symptoms, officials say.
As of 9 p.m., crews were about 60 percent through their target search of 1,250 gas customers, officials say. No issues had cropped up so far in the search, they added.
The American Red Cross opened a warming center at the Keene Recreation Center on Washington Street at 6:30 p.m. It was shut down at 11 p.m.
The company, which provides services to 89,000 natural gas and 44,000 electric distribution customers in New Hampshire, is advising anyone who experiences dizziness or headaches to immediately get fresh air and call 911 if they suspect elevated carbon monoxide levels or gas odors inside their business or home.
Customers who have had their gas service disconnected or are experiencing other gas service-related problems is asked to call Liberty Utilities at (603) 352-1230.
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