Deadly gas injures two in Mass.

By Derek Gentile
The Berkshire Eagle (Pittsfield, Massachusetts)
Copyright 2007 MediaNews Group, Inc. and New England Newspaper Group Inc.
All Rights Reserved
 
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — An elderly couple remains in critical condition after firefighters found them unconscious in their Dalton Avenue home Saturday night, apparently the victims of carbon monoxide poisoning.

According to Deputy Fire Chief Robert M. Czerwinski, Engine 2 responded to 228 Dalton Ave. at about 6:40 on Saturday to a report of possible carbon monoxide poisoning.

The victim's names have not been released, according to Czerwinski.

On Saturday, upon arriving at the residence, Acting Captain Daniel Amuso and his crew found two elderly victims, a man and a woman, unconscious in the living room of the home.

Medical treatment was initiated, and the pair were transported to Berkshire Medical Center by County Ambulance.

A few hours later, the woman was airlifted to Hartford Hospital for more extensive treatment. Both victims were listed in critical condition as of yesterday afternoon.

Firefighters performed an air monitoring test and high levels of carbon monoxide were found within the building, said Czerwinski.

The victims were discovered by a neighbor who entered the home to check on them Saturday afternoon.

A preliminary check of the home's heating system discovered a clogged chimney. Further investigation of the incident is being performed by the Pittsfield Fire Department and the Pittsfield Police Department.

Czerwinski said no carbon monoxide detector was found in the residence.

State law requires owners of residences in Massachusetts install a carbon monoxide detector in their homes. The law was passed in 2005, said Czerwinski.

"It's not something we look to enforce," said Czerwinski. "But when people sell their homes, they're required to have a smoke alarm and now a carbon monoxide detector.

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