Second suspected CO leak investigated in NI

Article date : 10/08/2010

Following the death of two teenagers from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning last week, Northern Ireland's Health and Safety Executive (NIHSE) has been called upon to investigate a second suspected case.

Aaron Davidson and Neil McFerran, both 18, had been staying at a Tunnel Brae Court apartment in Castlerock to celebrate the end of their exams when they were overcome by the fumes.

Now, investigators are examining an apartment block in nearby Portstewart, after a number of people visiting the businesses below reported feeling unwell.

However, they have all since been given the all-clear.

The NIHSE recently warned people living in the area to immediately switch off any gas appliances on their central heating systems or elsewhere if they have been worked on by George Brown of the town's The Calor Shop.

Following last week's fatalities, the Belfast Telegraph has warned people to protect themselves from CO poisoning by ensuring that only a boiler engineer from the Gas Safe Register worked on gas appliances.

Fitting a CO alarm could also help to alert people if a leak is present, potentially saving lives.

Written by Jasper Cullen

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