A 10-year-old girl died and another child was hospitalized due to carbon monoxide exposure in Albany Park, prompting an evacuation of the building.
It all started early Monday morning when emergency services rushed to a call about someone not breathing at a building on Gunnison Street. Firefighters quickly found dangerous levels of carbon monoxide throughout the entire three-story building.
The girl, Jayrinne Sequeida, was taken to Swedish Hospital but sadly didn’t make it. The other child is still receiving treatment. Right now, it’s unclear if the building had carbon monoxide detectors or what caused the gas leak.
Officials have put up a notice on the building saying it’s off-limits due to hazardous conditions. The place was still vacant later that day, with a window left open on one of the apartments.
Neighbors are understandably shaken. One resident, Tina Carroll, expressed her concern, saying it’s a devastating day for the affected families. Alderman Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez’s office is working to connect tenants with resources during this tough time.
Carbon monoxide is a silent threat, and it can be deadly. Experts say that having detectors can prevent tragedies like this. It’s a reminder for everyone to check their safety measures at home.
