Fire officials determine cause of carbon monoxide leak

By The Associated Press

news@abc6.com 

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) _ Fire investigators in East Providence say an improperly ventilated furnace and boiler caused a carbon monoxide leak that sickened 50 people at a banquet hall this past weekend.

Fire Capt. Kenneth Botelho says the ventilation for a boiler connected to Holy Ghost Beneficial Brotherhood Hall’s heat and hot water system was clogged, allowing for the colorless and odorless carbon monoxide build-up.

Rescue units were called to the hall on North Phillips Street around 9:30 p.m. Saturday after a woman passed out in the bathroom. There were about 250 people in the hall for a function at the time.

Battalion Chief David Rave says a total of 26 people were taken to the hospital with symptoms of illness. Many others sought treatment on their own after the incident.

(C) The Associated Press 2016