Center City, PA – Carbon monoxide sickened a number of people at a Center City Dollar Tree store Friday morning, even sending one to the hospital.
The fumes were reported just before 9:00 a.m. at 1520 Chestnut Street.
The Fire Department arrived on the scene shortly thereafter, with assistance from PECO and PGW.
Several people on the scene reported headaches from the fumes, and one person was transported to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital to be checked out. That person is expected to be OK.
Officials determine a high reading of carbon monoxide in the 2-story building as well as several other properties on the 1500 block of Chestnut Street.
The block was evacuated while crews investigated. They found once the properties were ventilated, CO levels dropped.
The preliminary investigation into the cause indicates that the CO came from a transformer malfunction, possibly from a fire that occurred in the area the night before.
The incident was cleared and everyone was allowed back inside their properties at 11:45am.
The Fire Marshal continues to investigate.