Columbus, GA – A South Columbus daycare is now in the all-clear after Columbus Fire and EMS discovered dangerously high levels of carbon monoxide inside early Tuesday morning.
Captain Shane Clay confirms to News 3 units responded to the Dominion Children’s Academy on Cusseta Road around 9:15 a.m. A teacher inside had called 911 after reporting a strange smell was making the children feel sick.
Clay commends the daycare staff members who quickly evacuated the building before responders made it to the scene.
“When we got here all the kids were evacuated by the administration at this location. They did an excellent job calling 911, turning things over to the hands of professionals,” he tells News 3’s Mikhaela Singleton.
He further confirms two children and one pregnant teacher were taken to the hospital exhibiting the early signs of carbon monoxide poisoning such as dizziness, weakness, and nausea. However, he adds all were treated and determined to have minimal health complications.
“They found out soon enough before the kids and the parents and the administration got too sick. They got them out into fresh air, which is exactly what you’re supposed to do,” Captain Clay says.
Staff confirm to News 3 around 70 babies and pre-K age children were moved to the adjoining Macedonia Christian Ministries Church while CFEMS spent about 4 hours airing out and inspecting the building.
“They was truly amazing. the guys came in and did what they were trained to do and as well as they were holding babies and trying to comfort the children,” says the congregation’s First Lady Angela Allen.
She says she and other members of the church took down the names and station numbers of all the first responders so they can personally send them thank-you’s for their quick and compassionate work.
“I feel it’s necessary to reach out and let them know how much we appreciate their help,” she says.
She also adds taking care of the community is a core value of the Macedonia Christian Ministries Church.
“We are a giving community, we always try to give back and our mission is to lead everyone into a life changing relationship with God. We have the daycare here where we also teach the children early learning, our assisted living facility for the elderly, as well as our girl’s group home in Hamilton.”
Captain Clay says his crew’s long hours in the sun were made much easier thanks to the congregation’s hospitality.
“They’ve been great. They’ve been housing all the kids and our Fire and EMS guys inside, where it’s cool,” he says. “We’ve got supplies out here as far as food and water, and I just want to say they all did a great job.”
The cause of the elevated carbon monoxide remains unconfirmed. However, Captain Clay speculates the source may be propane-powered equipment a cleaning crew had used inside Monday night.
He also confirms a thorough inspection found no structural damage or leaks anywhere in the daycare.