Hazmat investigation finds suspected cause after kids faint at Carmel Sunset Center
By Josh Copitch
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CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA, Calif. (KSBW) — A hazmat command was established after three children fell ill, two of who fainted while visiting the Carmel Sunset Center on Tuesday morning.
A group of children from Carmel River School were at the center for a rehearsal ahead of Tuesday night’s Choral Festival, when three had fainting spells, according to city officials. The entire building was evacuated, and hazmat and ambulance crews were called to the site.
Officials say that all three kids were alert and responsive in the parking lot before they were transferred to the Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula. The illnesses appear to be caused by carbon monoxide exposure.
According to Monterey Fire division chief Matt Harris, an investigation led them to believe that Carbon monoxide had built up inside part of the building. Investigators believe that some construction equipment outside the building is the likely cause of the build-up.
The building was aired out and safe to enter. Authorities detected no hazards after entering the building two separate times.
The Monterey County Fire Department said that while no further illnesses are likely, it recommended contacting a healthcare professional if anyone in attendance experienced symptoms. Those symptoms include headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness and fainting.
The school decided to reschedule the Choral Festival that was planned to take place Tuesday night.
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