Improperly ventilated heater caused carbon monoxide exposure at Lexington apartments, officials say

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Fire officials now say a diesel heater that was not properly ventilated caused the carbon monoxide exposure that sent 10 people to the hospital Thursday afternoon at an apartment complex near New Circle Road.

According to Battalion Chief Derek Roberts with the Lexington Fire Department, the heater was inside a building under construction at the Wellington Park Apartments and led to the dangerous buildup of carbon monoxide.

Crews were originally sent at 2:34 p.m. to the 3100 block of Dorchester Place after reports of people feeling sick from possible carbon monoxide exposure.

Firefighters responded to the Wellington Park Apartments, located next to Wellington Park near New Circle Road. Multiple people were evaluated at the scene. The Lexington Fire Department says two people were taken to the hospital by ambulance, while eight others were taken by a mobile medical bus. All are expected to fully recover.

Officials have not released the conditions of those taken to the hospital. The incident remains under investigation.