Sep 19, 2008 5:37 pm US/Eastern
CO Scare Uncovers Filth In Southie Home
SOUTH BOSTON (WBZ) ―
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Investigators say they found the CO and deplorable conditions inside 112 Tudor Street, the home on the right.
WBZ
Four people, including a 5-year-old girl, were rushed to the hospital Friday morning after a carbon monoxide scare in South Boston.
Emergency crews were called to the Tudor Street home because of a strong odor in the basement.
When firefighters went inside, they found what they said were "deplorable" conditions -- such as trash, food, spiders, rats, feces, cats, and dogs. One fire official told WBZ it's the worst he's seen in his career.
Hazmat specialist Fred Ellis Jr., said he thought he'd experienced everything until he saw the conditions of the home, comparing them to a city dump.
"I mean trash, defecation, urination, open cans of food, rat droppings," Ellis described. "It was just heartbreaking, really."
Fire Capt. Joseph Casper said it was difficult to go inside the house because "the smell would knock you over."
"Just total squalor. Totally unlivable. Nobody should live in those conditions," he said. "When you open the door the smell just hits you right in the face. You can smell it six feet out."
Casper added, "I don't think that girl had ever been outside."
Three adults, including a 78-year-old woman, and the girl were taken to an area hospital to be treated for CO poisoning.
Inspectional Services and the Department of Social Services have been called to the home, which is being condemned. Officials said the house needs to be gutted.
NStar says a malfunctioning underground cable caused the CO build-up inside the house.
The DSS said it had not received any previous reports of problems at the home.
Carbon Monoxide Information:
How To Find The Right CO Detector
How To Detect CO
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