Emergency crews in Bloom Township near Canal Winchester, Ohio, were called to a residence on Slough Road after reports of an unresponsive person inside. First responders found multiple people suffering from symptoms consistent with carbon monoxide exposure, including a family pet. A 96-year-old woman who had placed the call was pronounced dead at the scene, and several others — including two of her family members — were transported to hospitals, with some taken to Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center for treatment.
Firefighters who arrived also experienced symptoms of exposure, leading to seven fire crew members being transported as a precaution; they were later released. Authorities reported dangerously high carbon monoxide levels inside the home and began investigating the cause of the leak. Officials and community leaders emphasized the importance of functioning carbon monoxide detectors in homes to help prevent similar tragedies.