Trending Topics

Wis. firefighters shut down wedding after 26 suffer CO poisoning

A generator was being run indoors at the event, forcing nearly 300 guests to be evacuated from the venue

MADISON, Wis. — A wedding celebration was evacuated Saturday night after 26 guests were transported to the hospital for carbon monoxide poisoning.

Firefighters were called to a wedding after someone fainted, reports CBS 58 News.

Paramedics who arrived on scene were soon approached by other guests who also complained they weren’t feeling well.

Responders learned that a generator was running indoors, and used handheld monitors to measure CO levels of 405 parts per million near the center of the building.

Although the generator was moved outside, carbon monoxide buildup inside the venue forced firefighters to evacuate the 300 guests and ventilate the building.

Wedding guests were transported by ambulance to University of Wisconsin Hospital, which set up a triage at their emergency department to deal with the large influx of patients. The ER also received walk-ins throughout the day from patients complaining of CO poisoning symptoms.

Many of the patients suffered from headaches and dizziness, but all remained alert and are expected to make a full recovery.

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU