Montgomery County, MD – Three children and a woman were taken to a hospital after they were exposed to high levels of carbon monoxide while inside a Toyota 4 Runner, according to Pete Piringer, a spokesperson for the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service.
According to Piringer, around 3 p.m. a woman parked in front of the Sears at the White Oaks Shopping Center with her children and left her vehicle idling while they sat inside. She then reportedly left her three kids, ages 9, 2, and 3-months-old inside the vehicle while she went inside to pay a bill. When she returned, she found her children feeling “weak and tired and called for help,” Piringer confirmed.
Montgomery County Police along with fire rescue units from Montgomery County Fire responded to the scene.
Piringer reports, the carbon monoxide exposure was a result of a leaking vehicle exhaust system.
The woman and children were evaluated and taken to a shock trauma for treatment. Their conditions were believed to be non-life-threatening, Piringer confirmed.
Montgomery County Police continued to investigate the incident.
Additional details were not immediately available.