Fatal Carbon Monoxide Leak In Oz. Pk.
A father and son died inside their Ozone Park home last Saturday night, Jan. 14, after apparently being overcome by carbon monoxide, police reported.
Law enforcement sources identified the victims as Kuo-Kung Chen, 66, and Aaron Chen, 27, both residents of 101st Avenue.
Their unconscious bodies were reportedly found by relatives who visited the home on 101st Avenue near 90th Street just before 4:40 p.m. last Saturday.
Members of the 102nd Precinct, Fire Department personnel and EMS units responded to the scene. Reportedly, high levels of carbon monoxide were found by firefighters upon inspection.
The Chens were pulled from the residence and pronounced dead at the location. Their bodies were transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to determine the official causes of death, authorities noted.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas generally produced by improperly vented appliances such as stoves, heaters and fireplaces, according to information provided by the Office of Emergency Manage- ment. Exposure to high levels of the gas in a confined area could result in death in a matter of minutes.
Common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include the sudden onset of a headache, dizziness, chest pain, nausea, fatigue and vomiting.
Anyone who believes they are experiencing carbon monoxide poisoning should open their windows, leave their home and call 911 immediately.
Under city law, all homeowners must have at least one approved carbon monoxide detector in their residence located within 15 feet of the primary entrance to sleeping quarters. It is strongly advised that residents test the detectors periodically and change the batteries when necessary.
