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Carbon Monoxide Poisons Vet Clinic in Queens
3 Feb
Summary
- A veterinarian and a dog died in a mobile vet clinic van.
- Carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected as the cause.
- A generator's exhaust may have been blocked by snow.
A veterinarian and a dog tragically died inside a mobile animal care van in Flushing, Queens, with carbon monoxide poisoning being the suspected cause. The van's owner, 73-year-old Garo Alexanian, was found unconscious and is currently hospitalized. He believes that he, along with the veterinarian, 57-year-old Dr. Ashraf Hussein, and a dog collapsed late Saturday evening due to fumes from a generator. Snow piled near the van apparently blocked the generator's exhaust, redirecting toxic gases back into the vehicle.
Dr. Hussein, who worked at a Staten Island clinic, was described as a dedicated professional who volunteered his time with the mobile van. His wife shared that he was passionate about animals and a loving family man. Alexanian, the owner of the Low Cost Vet Mobile, started the service in 2009 to ensure all pet owners could access necessary veterinary care regardless of their financial situation. Authorities are investigating the incident.
