GASSAWAY, W.Va. — The state Fire Marshal’s Office said there were no carbon monoxide detectors at the Microtel Inn near Gassaway when several hotel guests began getting sick early Sunday morning.
Investigators with the Fire Marshal’s Office visited the scene late Sunday morning for a fire safety inspection. A report was then issued.
A Friday news release said, “No carbon monoxide detection of any kind was found during this inspection.”
“By the afternoon hours the facility had installed temporary carbon monoxide detectors with permanent detection being ordered so that they could be attached to their current fire alarm system. The gas fired water heaters were serviced the same day by a licensed contractor and placed back in service,” the Fire Marshal’s Office said.
The carbon monoxide scare came from a natural gas leak. The initial call to Braxton County 911 came from a guest room at 2:35 a.m. who said they were sick.
“Once on scene EMS evaluated the individuals and further assessed the situation. EMS continued to find other individuals in the hotel who did not feel well. Upon realizing the possibility of multiple patients, EMS requested for local fire departments to be dispatched to assist. Once local fire departments arrived and began to assist patients, responders continued to evaluate the scene,” according to the Fire Marshal’s Office. “During this evaluation, elevated carbon monoxide was found within the structure. Responding firefighters immediately turned off the natural gas service to the building, contacted the local gas utility and proceeded to ventilate the building.”
Seven people were taken to the hospital by EMS, according to the Fire Marshal’s Office. Only one remained in the hospital by Sunday evening.
State code requires hotels to have carbon monoxide detectors.