A church in Utah was the location of a carbon monoxide poisoning incident that occurred over the weekend, in which approximately 50 individuals had medical treatment as a result, according to the authorities.
Emergency Calls
A press statement from the Sevier County Sheriff's Office on Tuesday, January 2, states that prior to gas detection on Sunday, December 31, 2023, the Monroe East chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints had received two medical calls.
The first call came in about a little girl who was having trouble breathing. However, it was suspected that she was suffering symptoms related to her previous sickness, as she had been sick earlier in the week.
The same church building was once again the site of the emergency call an hour later. Another adult man, this time thinking he was experiencing low blood sugar issues, started to feel sick and sought care on his own.
On the other hand, the Monroe City fire department was sent to investigate the building for potential carbon monoxide poisoning when another family complained of headaches upon returning home. The building was evacuated when authorities found "higher levels of carbon monoxide" upon arrival.
Another group of people went to Sevier Valley Hospital that night after reporting feeling sick, as per the sheriff's office.
According to PEOPLE, 54 individuals complained of symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, which the church has previously confirmed. Of those victims, 22 were sent to nearby hospitals, and a total of 49 individuals received treatment.
"This required [ten] ambulance transports to get everyone to a hospital that had a hyperbaric chamber that could treat the patients. Sevier County Ems did not have enough ambulances or personnel for this many transports, so other agencies were contacted for assistance," stated a press release from the sheriff's office.
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Alarming Incident
The increasing number of sick attendees prompted churchgoer Clint Wirick to contact dispatchers, according to Fox station KSTU. "I had a friend who just lost his best friend from carbon monoxide. That was in the back of my head: just make the phone call."
Church authorities are reportedly looking into the possibility of a heating system breakdown as the cause, as reported by numerous publications.
Also, the church announced that the meetinghouse would be closed until the issue is resolved. In a statement, the church expressed its prayer for the healing of all those affected.
"The Church is working to support medical and other expenses for those affected. We are concerned for the well-being of everyone impacted and are praying for their recovery."
The alarming statistics provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveal that over 100,000 individuals in the United States end up in emergency rooms every year as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning.
