Five Dead in Florida Motel Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Fire officials say "five friends are dead likely from carbon monoxide poisoning caused by a running car in closed garage underneath their South Florida motel room." (AP, 12/27). Police say the teens rented the room on December 26, 2010 "to celebrate one of teens' 19th birthday. " Unfortunately, a car that needed a jump-start was left running in a garage below the room.

A maid dialed 911 after peering through the window and seeing unconscious bodies. Upon investigation, police found that "a door leading to a staircase up to the room had been left open, and high levels of carbon monoxide were found inside."

This is a terrible tragedy for all the families involved. As a personal injury attorney in Chicago, I am saddened by this tragedy. Carbon monoxide is a silent and deadly killer that it difficult to discern. Carbon monoxide detectors are a worthwhile investment in all homes, and, especially, in all hotels, motels and other rental properties.