Deadly poison outbreak kills 13-year-old girl and leaves 41 'fighting for lives'
A 13-YEAR-OLD girl has died and at least 41 are sick from a carbon monoxide leak at an apartment in New Jersey, according to reports.
Among those who are sick are 27 police officers who make up 20 per cent of the town’s police force, officials say.
Six of the victims were unconscious when they arrived at the hospital and their conditions are not yet known.
The incident is under investigation and took place at an apartment building in Perth Amboy.
After the leak was reported, the apartment building was at 185 Fayette Street was evacuated and immediately closed.
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More than 20 people -- including police officers -- sickened by carbon monoxide at an apartment building in Perth Amboy, NJ. @CBSNewYork pic.twitter.com/euoLhomfY5
— Jessica Layton (@JLaytonTV) 5 January 2018
#BreakingNews - update in #PerthAmboy. 13 year old girl killed and 3 others critical after carbon monoxide poisoning inside multi family home. responding to the incident TWENTY SEVEN police officers also injured/ sickened. Cause still under investigation. pic.twitter.com/c6S26FA7N2
— Dan Bowens (@danbowensfox5) 5 January 2018
No one is inside the home except emergency personnel, officials said.
New Jersey Poison Control Center Executive and Medical Director Dr. Diane Calello: “Severe weather often results in illness and deaths from hypothermia and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, as well as exposures to a variety of substances.”
Carbon monoxide is known as the “silent killer” as it has no smell, colour or taste.
Dr Calello added that at this time of year, two of the most common forms of carbon monoxide poisoning are from car exhausts, generators and ageing heating systems.
