A woman and her two children were pulled from an Upper Darby home after a carbon monoxide leak sent the family into a medical emergency.
Police Response
At about 8:20 p.m. on Saturday, officers responded to a medical emergency on the 200 block of Kingston Road. They arrived with medical officials and immediately detected a strong odor of gas. The officers radioed for support from area fire companies.
Firefighters’ Rescue
Fire crews equipped with breathing apparatus and gas detectors entered the building once they arrived. Inside, they found a woman and two children unresponsive. The firefighters removed the occupants and transported them to nearby hospitals.
Medical Recovery
Officials said the three people were expected to recover after being taken to the hospitals. Their condition was described as stable, and they were monitored for potential complications from the exposure.
Others in the Home
Other residents who were in the home at the time escaped on their own and were unharmed. Police noted that no injuries were reported among those who left the property.
Carbon Monoxide Levels
Fire crews detected carbon monoxide levels in excess of 1400 parts per million inside the home. This concentration is far above normal residential levels.
Typical Home Levels
A properly adjusted gas stove normally produces carbon monoxide levels of about 5 to 15 parts per million, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
Investigation Findings
Officials secured and ventilated the property before conducting an investigation. They identified a deteriorating chimney flu cap as the source of the leak. The investigation is still ongoing.
Key Takeaways
- A woman and two children survived a carbon monoxide incident in Upper Darby.
- Firefighters and police rescued the occupants after detecting strong gas odors.
- CO levels exceeded 1400 ppm, far above typical residential levels.
The incident underscores the importance of maintaining chimney components and monitoring for potential carbon monoxide hazards in homes.
