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CO Leak Sickens Hundreds at Tennessee University
5 Feb
Summary
- Hundreds treated for carbon monoxide exposure at multiple hospitals.
- The leak occurred in the Steve Lacy Fieldhouse at Milligan University.
- Carbon monoxide detectors reportedly failed to alarm during the incident.
On Wednesday, a significant carbon monoxide leak at Milligan University in Elizabethton, Tennessee, led to hundreds of people receiving medical evaluation and treatment. By Wednesday evening, Ballad Health reported that over 200 individuals were being actively cared for across six of their hospitals.
The incident occurred in the university's Steve Lacy Fieldhouse, prompting immediate evacuation of students and employees. While the source of the leak was identified, repaired, and levels have since normalized, an investigation is underway because multiple carbon monoxide detectors within the building did not activate.
Ballad Health activated its Corporate Emergency Operations Center to manage the mass event, deploying an emergency medicine physician to the campus for on-site triage and care coordination. Patients are receiving appropriate care, with some requiring extended observation and oxygen therapy.
