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Apr 27, 2008 5:42 pm US/Eastern
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Boy Found Unconscious In Running Jeep Dies
The Second Boy Remains In Critical Condition
LUNENBERG, Mass. (WBZ) ―
One of the two boys found unconscious inside a vehicle in Lunenburg Friday night has died.
According to the District Attorney Joseph Early, Alejandro Thomasian, 9, of Fitchburg, was pronounced dead Sunday afternoon.
Officials say Thomasian and Jobanny Matias, 11, of Leominster were trying to stay warm inside an SUV after it became stuck in mud while the adults left to get help. When they returned some time later, they found the boys unconscious inside the running vehicle.
Lunenburg Police Chief Daniel Bourgeois said the group had been four-wheel driving in a wooded area near an auto body shop on Massachusetts Ave.
Matias is still listed in critical condition.
The Worcester County District Attorney's Office is investigating the incident. It's unknown exactly how long to kids had been left alone. "We just want to offer our thoughts and prayers to the families of these two boys," Early said. "This is just a terrible tragedy."
Bourgeois said it appears the vehicle's exhaust pipe became blocked by mud, forcing carbon monoxide fumes inside the SUV, poisoning the kids. "Our initial investigation points to this being a truly tragic accident," said Bourgeois. "Our hearts go out to the families for both boys."
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas that can be deadly. Carbon monoxide poisoning kills almost 300 people in the United State each year.
The most common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, nausea, vomiting, weakness and dizziness. Children can have more severe symptoms at higher levels of the gas than adults.
Click here to learn how you can prevent Carbon Monoxide poisoning.
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