MONTVALE, N.J. — Two elderly residents were found dead inside a Lexington Lane home Saturday night, July 11, after police and firefighters responding to a welfare check detected elevated levels of gas and carbon monoxide.
Montvale police and firefighters responded to 2 Lexington Lane at approximately 9:21 p.m., Police Chief Doug McDowell said. First responders immediately evacuated the residence after detecting the elevated levels.
An 84-year-old man and an 83-year-old woman were found unresponsive inside the home and pronounced dead at the scene.
A preliminary investigation by the Montvale Police Department and Bergen County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Criminal Investigation indicates the carbon monoxide likely came from a vehicle left running inside the home’s garage, McDowell said.
Mayor Michael Ghassali posted Sunday afternoon, “Heartbreaking news today. Two elderly residents tragically lost their lives due to carbon monoxide poisoning. Please take a few minutes today to check that your carbon monoxide detectors are working properly. If you don’t have one installed, please install one as soon as possible. This simple step could save your life or the life of someone you love.”
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can build to deadly levels without warning when fuel-burning furnaces, generators, stoves, fireplaces, vehicles, or other equipment malfunction or are used improperly. Exposure can cause headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, chest pain, and confusion, but people who are asleep may die before experiencing noticeable symptoms. Older adults and people with heart or respiratory conditions are especially vulnerable. Safety officials recommend installing carbon monoxide alarms on every level of the home and outside sleeping areas, testing them monthly, and having fuel-burning appliances inspected regularly.
We will update this story as new information emerges.