3 dead, 2 children hospitalized after being exposed to carbon monoxide in vehicle pulled over for flat tire

TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG/Gray News) — Three people are dead and two children remain hospitalized after exposure to carbon monoxide in a vehicle in Ohio, officials said.

Toledo police said officers received a call Wednesday at about 11 a.m. reporting unconscious people in a vehicle on the side of a roadway.

A spokesperson for Toledo Fire and Rescue said someone called the children’s father, saying they had a flat tire. When the father arrived at the scene, he found the children unconscious.

Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz issued a statement Wednesday afternoon saying three members of the family had died and two children were hospitalized in critical condition.

“Our hearts are with this family as they face an unimaginable loss, and we are praying for the recovery of the two children who continue to fight for their lives,” Kapszukiewicz said. “We also extend our gratitude to the first responders, medical personnel, and law enforcement officers who responded swiftly and did everything they could under incredibly difficult circumstances.”

The mayor said that foul play is not suspected, but there will be a thorough investigation to determine what happened.

“Please keep this family in your thoughts during the difficult days ahead and pray for the recovery of the two children still fighting for their lives,” Kapszukiewicz said.