Mother and three children found dead in Chełmno as carbon monoxide poisoning investigated; building owner detained.
Owner Detained
The owner of the building is being interrogated and will face prosecutorial charges. The prosecution, however, has not yet disclosed their content, according to RMF FM.
According to the broadcaster, the building supervision has informed the remaining tenants of the apartment building to vacate their apartments until inspectors check the building and confirm it is safe.
Fatal Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Drama in Chełmno. Four people were poisoned by carbon monoxide.
On Thursday (January 15), around 5:00 PM, a woman approached police in Chełmno (Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship), “concerned about lack of contact with a relative and the absence of her children from school since the beginning of the week.”
A patrol was dispatched to the scene almost immediately. Upon entering the building, they smelled an intense odor of gas and called the fire department. Even before entering the apartment, measuring devices showed very high levels of carbon monoxide, said Asst. Insp. Monika Chlebicz from the Provincial Police Headquarters in Bydgoszcz in a conversation with TVP3.
Upon entering the apartment, authorities found the bodies of four people: a 31-year-old woman and three children aged 3, 11, and 12.
Investigation Underway
The next day, an investigation was launched in this case. “Currently, we rule out the involvement of third parties in this incident. At this point, we assess that it was an unfortunate accident. Determining the cause of this tragedy will still take time. One of the probable hypotheses is the poor condition of the gas boiler, but we must wait for an expert opinion,” said Prosecutor Izabela Oliver at the time.
Carbon Monoxide Information
“Carbon monoxide, commonly called carbon monoxide, is a highly toxic, colorless and odorless gas, slightly lighter than air, which makes it easy to mix with and spread in it. Potential sources of carbon monoxide in residential premises are fireplaces, gas water heaters, coal, gas or oil stoves, and gas kitchens,” reminds the fire department.
Symptoms and Help
What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?
How to help with carbon monoxide poisoning?
