Carbon monoxide leak results in apartment evacuation with 4 pets dead and 5 hospitalized

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - Four civilians and one firefighter have been transported to the hospital Tuesday night following a carbon monoxide leak at The Venue apartments in Midtown.

All victims are in non-critical condition.

First responders first made the scene at 3:32 p.m. after a medical call was made. Officials with the Memphis Fire Department say that upon entering the complex, firefighters began to feel ill and dead pets were found, indicating a hazmat situation.

MFD says three dogs and one cat have died in total.

It was confirmed that there was work done to the complex’s boiler earlier in the day, which may have been the cause of the leak, MFD says.

“My first feeling is relief because we were finally able to go back into the building and my pet was inside, that’s the only thing I have here. I don’t have family here and so too many people’s pets are family...I understand they will be very hurt...that’s a bad thing to handle,” said Julia de La Cruz, resident.

De La Cruz says she was notified about the leak while at work and that caused her to rush back home.

There are 160 units in the complex in total.

EMS units are still on the scene and are tending to residents of the building. First responders are also performing a second search for residents and pets who may still be inside.

Residents were able to go back inside for their belongings and pets. However, there is no word when residents would be allowed to go back into the building permanently.

MFD says they are still working on securing the building after firefighters had to force their way into some apartments. They are still trying to determine how many.

MFD says they’re still working with the property manager and MPD to determine where residents will stay.

In the meantime, Memphis Fire says they’ve partnered with MATA who provided two buses to keep residents warm while they wait for MFD to secure the building.

MFD says this incident does not qualify as a situation where the Red Cross would step in to assist.

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