Several hospitalized after high carbon monoxide levels found at West Jordan business
Dec 7, 2024, 5:10 PM | Updated: Dec 8, 2024, 11:32 am
Editor’s note: This article has been updated to include a statement from Enbridge Gas, clarifying what led to the high levels of carbon monoxide in the plant.
WEST JORDAN – High levels of carbon monoxide at a meat processing plant in West Jordan led to an evacuation of the building Saturday afternoon, and sent 11 people to the hospital.
It happened at Otto & Sons Inc. around 2:49 p.m. when firefighters got the 911 call that a woman there had passed out.
Firefighters’ response to CO levels
They quickly found at least 10 other people complaining they were feeling sick with symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Firefighters evacuated the building to prevent anyone else from getting sick from the high levels of carbon monoxide.
11 people were transported to hospitals after a carbon monoxide leak occurred at Otto and Sons on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024. (Alston Crosby, KSL TV)
“As the workers are inside the building, and the CO is high, then they automatically, that becomes part of their problem too,” West Jordan Deputy Fire Chief Chris Trevino said. “That CO will manifest itself in their blood.”
Trevino said that first responders conducted two rounds of searches to ensure nobody was left inside the building, and were working with management to ensure all employees were accounted for.
First responders worked to transport 11 people to hospitals after a carbon monoxide leak took place at a West Jordan business. (Alston Crosby, KSL TV)
Trevino reported that the leak occurred during work hours, as the business has multiple shifts covering all 24 hours a day.
As of 7:51 p.m., KSL TV witnessed several people coming in and out of the building and spoke with some of them, confirming the evacuation had been lifted.
At this point, it’s still unclear what led to the leak. At last check, firefighters said they’re working with plant managers to determine where it came from.
KSL TV also spoke with one of the Enbridge Gas workers, who were also called out to the scene Saturday night, and said they had gotten the leak contained.
Enbridge Gas explains cause of elevated CO levels
In an email to KSL, Enbridge Gas stated the cause was “an improperly vented appliance” which “caused the carbon monoxide to be produced.”
“Carbon monoxide can be caused any time a fuel (natural gas, coal, propane, kerosene, wood) burning appliance is not working properly,” wrote Jorgan Hofeling with Enbridge Gas in an email to KSL. “It can also occur if there is a blocked vent/chimney or improper venting. In conjunction with the fire department, the structure has been made safe until the building owner can make needed repairs.”
