1 dead, 6 hospitalized from carbon monoxide poisoning at NW Houston apartment, HFD says

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Six people are in the hospital from apparent carbon monoxide poisoning at a northwest Houston apartment. Meanwhile, a seventh person was pronounced dead at the scene from the fumes, according to the Houston Fire Department.

Firefighters said they found a generator inside when they were called to the Vintage Apartments at 6500 West 43rd, which is located along the US-290 Northwest Freeway, around 11 a.m. Thursday.

Officials said all seven victims are adults in their 20s and 30s.

"It's not a gas smell, it's a suspicious odor," firefighters reported on emergency radio traffic.

At last check, three people were in critical condition.

Firefighters could not immediately say whether storm-related power outages were tied to the incident.

Carbon monoxide fumes come from items like cars, trucks, small engines, stoves, fireplaces and generators.

Your best defense against illness is a carbon monoxide detector because the gas is odorless, so when you start feeling the symptoms, it may already be too late.

Symptoms include headache, dizziness, and vomiting.