LAWRENCE, Mass. — High levels of carbon monoxide in a Lawrence home sent several people to the hospital.
Boston 25 News has learned at least seven people were sent to the hospital after high levels of carbon monoxide were reported inside a home on Canton Street in Lawrence.
At least three of the seven members were still in the hospital receiving oxygen therapy, but are expected to be okay.
For two days, Latoya Tillberg's family was slowly being poisoned, and they had no idea.
"It was horrifying," Tillberg said. The babies have been sick for like 48 hours. We thought that it was just flu-like symptoms."
Tillberg and her fiance live with her parents, sister and young niece and nephew in the Canton Street duplex.
"We thought it was just the flu or bad food," Tillberg said. "Then, today, my sister was kind of light-headed and went to vomit in the bathroom, and she didn't make it all the way. She was stumbling."
Tillberg called 911 after the symptoms got worse when she returned home Friday afternoon.
"It overtook the entire family at one time," Tillberg said.
The first firefighters to arrive took two steps inside, and their carbon monoxide detectors began wailing.
Lawrence Fire Chief Kevin Lockland said the entire family would likely have died if they stayed in the home much longer.
"We had levels on the upper floors as high as 360 parts per million," Lockland said. "To give an example, 35 parts per million, we evacuate the property."
The whole family was evacuated and rushed to the hospital.
"The hospital says they are amazed that no one is dead," Tillberg said.
Firefighters discovered the family's furnace was not venting properly, and carbon monoxide was backing up into the home. In the meantime, a carbon monoxide detector did not sound.
"I do have one, but I will be getting a new one," Tillberg said.
Tillberg said it's a reminder to everyone to check the batteries in their detectors.
"I'm very blessed," Tillberg said. "I thank God for saving my entire family, all seven of us."
The home is not located in an area affected by the September gas explosions, and it was vented and had gas disconnected until further inspections can happen.
A person in the neighboring duplex was also taken to the hospital, but they are all expected to recover.