BEAVERCREEK -- More than a dozen people are rushed to the hospital after being exposed to a deadly gas. Firefighters were called to Patterson Park Church in Beavercreek just before 2pm Friday on reports of a propane leak.
Medics took 14 victims to Kettering Medical Center for carbon monoxide poisoning. Two men had to receive hyperbaric therapy. That's where patients lay in a chamber full of 100% oxygen. Medics say it's a necessary high tech treatment because the victims were so sick due to typical floor finishing job that went terribly wrong.
"This is a life saving measure. Depending on how much carbon monoxide they've been exposed to, it could by fatal without this type of therapy," said Kettering Medical Center Certified Hyperbaric Technologist, Lee Whitker.
Contractors were using a high speed, propane powered varnisher, but apparently they didnt have enough ventilation. They started getting dizzy, light headed, and nauseous. All symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.
"Carbon monoxide exposures are fairly common. Not necessarily a daily event, but they are common," said Beavercreek Township Fire Lt. Ryan Williams.
In all, 14 contractors and church workers, who came to their aide, were rushed to the hospital. Two contractors received hyperbaric therapy. Meantime, firefighters worked for hours to get the deadly gas out of the massive church.
"A little bit of carbon monoside in a big building can actually be a significant problem. A large amount of carbon monoxide is still left in the building and a building of this size is going to be a hard attempt to ventilate," Lt. Williams said.
The two men with the most severe carbon monoxide poisoning had to spend 2.5 hours in the hyperbaric chamber.
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Earlier Coverage:
BEAVERCREEK -- Fourteen people have been injured in a propane leak at a Patterson Road church.
All 14 people were taken to a hyperbaric chamber at Kettering Medical Center for treatment.
According to the Beavercreek Fire Department, work was being done at Patterson Park Church. A machine reportedly leaked a large amount of propane into the church. Several people initially were affected by the fumes. Other people went inside to help them and they, too, were overcome by the propane.
Fire crews from Beavercreek, Sugarcreek Township, Xenia and Kettering responded to help treat the victims.
The church is now being ventilated.
Earlier coverage:
Propane Leak Injures Several People at Beavercreek Church
BEAVERCREEK -- Several people are being treated after a propane leak was reported this afternoon at a Patterson Road church.
Several medics were requested at the Patterson Park Church for multiple victims.
We have a news crew on the scene and we'll bring you the latest as information becomes available.