Carbon monoxide sickens 68 Delaware prisoners
Dozens of inmates were sent to the hospital for treatment of carbon monoxide poisoning at Morris Community Corrections Center. (image via Google Earth)
A boiler malfunction at the Morris Community Corrections Center in Dover caused an elevated level of carbon monoxide to send nearly 70 inmates and one worker to the hospital.
Several inmates displayed symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning on Tuesday, which led prison officials to investigate. They discovered a malfunctioning boiler in the facility that caused the illness.
Prison leaders say the boilers passed a state environmental inspection last August and weren’t due for a re-inspection until May 2017. It’s not clear what caused the boilers to malfunction, but they’ve since been shut down while a mechanical contractor assesses the problem and makes repairs.
While 68 offenders were taken to the hospital for carbon monoxide exposure, only two offenders and one correctional officer were admitted for further observation and treatment.
WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.
Delaware health officials celebrate bright spots in recent drug overdose data
Statistics released earlier this month reveal a slight decrease in overdose deaths for the first time in 10 years.
2 days ago
Woman, 18, dies after being shot at Delaware State University; campus closed
Dover police say officers responded at 1:40 a.m. Sunday to a report of shots on campus. A Wilmington woman who was not a registered student was found with a gunshot wound.
3 days ago
Delaware faces persistent health disparities, particularly for Black maternal health
Health disparities for Black maternity remain a challenge in Delaware. Advocates say the problem stems from systemic racism, implicit bias and injustice.
6 days ago
Listen 1:32