Ten individuals, including four children, were hospitalized on Sunday morning following a suspected accidental carbon monoxide poisoning incident at a home in Ottawa’s Vanier district. Ottawa police confirmed that one adult is in critical condition, while the remaining nine individuals are in serious condition.
Emergency services, including the fire department and paramedics, responded to a 9:15 a.m. call from Granville Street. According to Insp. Scott Pettis, the incident occurred when a vehicle was left running inside a garage to warm up. The garage door remained closed, allowing exhaust fumes to accumulate.
Paramedic officials stated that six adults and four children were treated for potential carbon monoxide exposure.
Inspector Pettis revealed that the affected family recently arrived in Canada and was unfamiliar with local winter practices. “They were trying to warm their vehicle without realizing they needed to open the garage door to ventilate the area,” he explained.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas produced by burning fuel, such as gasoline. It can cause severe health risks, including tissue damage and death.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Residents are reminded to ensure proper ventilation when running vehicles in enclosed spaces and to install carbon monoxide detectors in their homes to prevent such tragedies.