Thirteen People Poisoned With Carbon Monoxide at US Walmart

At least 13 people were treated for carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning after a 24-hour Walmart in the United States, Florida was evacuated due to high levels of the gas, a local fire and rescue service said via Twitter.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — On Sunday, the poisonous gas reached unsafe levels at the Avalon Park store, preventing the rescue workers from entering the building immediately, Orange County Fire Rescue Department said. Only several hours after the crew had arrived at the site the building was evacuated.

UPDATE — Avalon Park Blvd hazmat/MCI response; 1 add'l pt tx'd, others refused. Total pt count 10. Bldg CO2 readings too high, no entry

— OCFire Rescue (@OCFireRescue) 9 августа 2015

A hazmat team and mass casualty incident team responded quickly.

Seven of 13 people were taken to local hospitals for treatment, while the rest were treated at the scene, the service added.

Causes of the high carbon monoxide levels at the store are yet unknown.

Later in the day, fire officials were able to make the store safe.