EmilyAnn Jackman
pennlive.com (TNS)
A carbon monoxide leak in Allentown, Pennsylvania happened where more than two dozen people, including children, have been taken to the hospital.
According to 6ABC, the incident was reported Tuesday morning at Happy Smiles Learning Center in the 400 block of Wabash Street where emergency crews responded to a 911 call for an unconscious child.
Captain John Christopher of the Allentown Fire Department said when firefighters and EMTs arrived on the scene, monitors on their bags alerted them of the carbon monoxide leak.
As a result of the leak, the center was completely evacuated.
There’s a reason why such caution is taken when Carbon monoxide is involved. The colorless and odorless gas can be deadly.
According to the news outlet, the fire chief said it turned into a massive emergency response due to multiple people showing symptoms, and every ambulance in Allentown was in use for this incident.
Multiple children were placed on stretchers, as more waited to be transported.
Authorities said a total of 27 people, including children, were taken to four hospitals in the Lehigh Valley. They are all listed in stable condition, the news outlet reported.
According to 6ABC, the incident was reported as a level one mass casualty incident, meaning local emergency responders and hospitals may be overwhelmed by the number of patients.
The Allentown fire chief said other fire departments and emergency responders are assisting with aid.
Officials confirmed parents have been notified, and authorities are working with daycare center employees to keep everyone informed.
Additionally, another daycare around the corner opened up its facility for children to stay warm.
UGI Utilities crews are on the scene to further investigate the leak.
Read more via 6ABC.
©2022 Advance Local Media LLC. Visit pennlive.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
