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Generator Deaths Spark CO Warning
16 Jun
Summary
- Two people died from carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Six people were hospitalized in a separate incident.
- Residents urged to keep generators far from homes.
Following severe storms that caused widespread power outages, two people in Northwest Indiana died from carbon monoxide poisoning related to generator use. An additional six individuals were transported to the hospital in a separate carbon monoxide incident. Portage Fire Chief Chris Crail issued an urgent safety advisory, emphasizing the necessity of operating generators at a safe distance from homes to prevent such tragedies.
As of Tuesday morning, over 3,700 NIPSCO customers remained without power. Utility crews are actively working on restoration efforts amid concerns of further severe weather approaching on Wednesday. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that over 400 unintentional carbon monoxide poisonings not related to fires occur annually nationwide.
