What's New
Four individuals died on Christmas Day in New Hampshire from apparent carbon monoxide poisoning, officials said this week.
Why It Matters
According to the Cleveland Clinic, carbon monoxide poisoning kills over 400 people per year in the United States.
"Carbon monoxide poisoning also sends an additional 100,000 people to emergency rooms annually," the Cleveland Clinic states.
What To Know
In a press release, the New Hampshire Division of Fire Safety said that officials from the Wakefield Police Department received a 911 call for a welfare check at a residence located at 2962 Province Lake Road at around 4:21 p.m. local time on Wednesday.
"When officers arrived, they found multiple people deceased. Investigators from the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal's Office were requested to respond to the scene to assist," the press release said.
"While the investigation remains active and ongoing, at this time, investigators believe the victims died as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning. Autopsies are scheduled to be performed by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner on Thursday, Dec. 26, 2024, to confirm the cause and manner of death for each of the victims."
The New Hampshire Division of Fire Safety did not yet release the identity of the four victims that died in the incident.
"State Fire Marshal [Sean] Toomey would like to remind everyone of the importance of having working carbon monoxide alarms in their homes. In the event of an alarm activation, residents should immediately exit their homes and call 9-1-1. Anyone with questions about home fire and carbon monoxide safety should contact their local fire department or the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal's Office," the press release said.
What People Are Saying
While speaking with the local television station WMUR, State Fire Marshal Sean Toomey said the victims who died in the incident included two older adults and two younger adults.
Toomey noted that the welfare check call was made by other family members after those who died did not show up for a Christmas holiday party.
What Is Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Poisoning occurs when you breathe in carbon monoxide fumes.
Carbon monoxide is an odorless gas that is produced when gasoline as well as other fuels burn. These fuels include wood, kerosene, natural gas and coal. It's extremely dangerous in high levels.
One of the most common forms of carbon monoxide exposure occurs through unvented space heaters. This is due to the fact that unvented space heaters use combustible fuel as well as indoor air for heating and doesn't vent the gases it makes outdoors, but rather indoors.
What's Next
Officials may release the identities of those who died and other aspects of the investigation in the upcoming days.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.
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