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CO Levels Five Times Lethal, Kill Six in Car

7/19/2026

24 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Investigators measured carbon-monoxide inside the car at five times the lethal threshold.
Four children, their grandmother and a fifth child died, the latter after life support was withdrawn.
The children’s father called 911 after arriving to help with a flat tire and found the family unconscious.
Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz said city’s hearts are with the family and noted that Fire Chief Allison Armstrong reported a hazmat response and vehicle tow.

History

Historical Context

In 1971 OSHA established a 50 ppm eight-hour carbon-monoxide exposure limit, a standard that helped cut national CO deaths by about 30 percent. Since then, 32 states and several local ordinances have required residential detectors, reflecting a safety trend. The 2024 crash in Michigan, where levels reached five times the lethal threshold, prompted Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz and Fire Chief Allison Armstrong to reaffirm the rule’s relevance.

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Story summary

Investigators measured carbon-monoxide inside the car at five times the lethal threshold.
Four children, their grandmother and a fifth child died, the latter after life support was withdrawn.
The children’s father called 911 after arriving to help with a flat tire and found the family unconscious.
Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz said city’s hearts are with the family and noted that Fire Chief Allison Armstrong reported a hazmat response and vehicle tow.

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