Sam Jane

mlive.com

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WAYNE COUNTY, MI - Three children died in Wayne County over the holiday weekend from suspected carbon monoxide poisoning linked to generator use during widespread power outages, authorities said.

In Sumpter Township, two children, ages 8 and 12, died Saturday after they were found unresponsive in a garage where a portable generator was running. In Melvindale, a 16-year-old boy also died Saturday after a generator was operating in the basement of a home, officials said.

Police and firefighters were dispatched to a home on Executive Drive in Sumpter Township at about 10:20 a.m. Saturday after the two children were found not breathing inside a garage. First responders attempted lifesaving measures, but both children died at the scene, according to the Sumpter Township Police Department.

Investigators said a generator had been running inside the garage while the area was without power following Friday’s storms, which left hundreds of thousands of southeast Michigan residents without electricity.

DTE Energy Senior Vice President Brian Calka said the deaths were especially difficult to hear as crews worked to restore power across the region. More than 500,000 Michiganders lost power this weekend and over 80,000 people were without it as of Monday morning.

“As a father of three boys, this hit me hard personally,” Calka said. “My heart goes out to that family, and we will be reaching out and supporting that family to the best of our abilities.”

Police did not release additional details about the deaths of the two children. In a statement, the Sumpter Township Police Department offered condolences to the family and urged residents to be aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning.

In Melvindale, a 16-year-old boy reportedly died from carbon monoxide poisoning after a generator was operating in the basement of a home, according to WXYZ. Dearborn Fire Chief Joseph Murray said crews responded to the residence on Wood Street near Allen Road, where the teen was found dead. Additional details about the circumstances surrounding the death have not been released.

The Dearborn Fire Department and Melvindale Police Department did not respond to requests for comment Monday.

The deaths prompted renewed warnings from various officials and DTE about the dangers of improper generator use. Authorities said generators should never be operated inside a home, garage, basement, shed or other enclosed space and should instead be placed outdoors and away from doors, windows and vents.

“Carbon monoxide is known as the silent killer because you can’t see it, smell it or taste it,” Fire Prevention Chief Dennis Hunter said. “Even if your generator is outside, placing it too close to your home — or allowing the exhaust to point toward windows, doors, vents or your garage — can allow deadly carbon monoxide to enter your home. That’s why proper placement is absolutely essential.”

Officials also encouraged residents to ensure their homes are equipped with carbon monoxide detectors.

Both incidents remain under investigation.

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