Grandmom & 2 kids die in vehicle carbon monoxide poisoning (after pulling over for flat tire)

Woman & 2 kids die in vehicle carbon monoxide poisoning after pulling over for flat tire at Toledo, Ohio parking lot and turning on air conditioning. Tragedy deemed accidental. Two other kids remain in critical condition. Children’s father arrives at scene to discover tragedy. 

A woman and three children have died from carbon monoxide poisoning after pulling over for a flat tire in Ohio.

Authorities responded just after 11 a.m. local time on Wednesday, July 15, to the 300 block of Phillips Avenue following reports of multiple unconscious occupants inside a Ford Explorer vehicle according to a release from the Toledo Fire and Rescue Department. 

‘Personnel from the Toledo Fire & Rescue Department and the Toledo Police Department arrived on scene and immediately began providing emergency medical care,’ the department stated. ‘TFRD’s Hazardous Materials Team also responded to assess the scene and ensure the area was safe for first responders and the public.’

Woman and two children declared dead at Toledo, Ohio parking lot

Officials said five victims, including four children, were removed from the car and transported to a local hospital.

On Thursday, July 16, police confirmed an additional child had ‘tragically succumbed to their injuries,’ while one remained hospitalized in critical condition.

Along with the woman, and two children, three individuals were declared deceased with two surviving members.

The incident happened after the group pulled over in Toledo due to the flat tire, according to WTOL .

Officials said the family had pulled into a parking lot after getting a flat tire. While waiting for help to arrive, they remained inside the SUV with the windows rolled up and the air conditioner running to stay cool.

Hot weather triggered carbon monoxide poisoning tragedy 

The children’s father (the woman’s adult son) arrived at the scene and found all five victims unconscious the outlet reported. To date none of the victims have been identified although WTVG said officials have said the woman was the children’s grandmother.

‘They started rendering life saving treatments to all the patients as we call more crews to the scene and had a hazmat response because we didn’t know what we were dealing with,’ Toledo Fire Chief Allison Armstrong told WTVG.

Armstrong told the station that the hot weather worsened the situation for those involved. 

‘The weather is very hot. That’s not only challenging for the responders, but for the patients themselves. We do the best we can to try and get them into shade or get them into an ambulance to get them out of the elements,’ she said. 

‘Unfortunately, with this scene, that just wasn’t possible as quickly as we would have liked,’ the fire chief added. 

‘The cause of this incident remains under investigation,’ the Toledo Fire and Rescue Department said. ‘Investigators continue to process the scene and gather evidence to determine the circumstances surrounding this tragedy.’

Toledo, Ohio carbon monoxide poisoning linked to vehicle exhaust leak

Authorities emphasized no foul play is suspected. Investigators believe the incident was a tragic accident. 

News of the tragedy led to Reelemin Rafiki posting on Facebook, ‘To lose 3 grand children and a good friend in a matter of 38 hrs is diabolicle work. How is my family supposed to go on from this, this pain is un bearable. My baby girls are gone my baby boy is gone an my ACE is fighting for his life. I had so much hope for them they gave me so much happiness now ill never see 3 of them again.’