The incident
On Monday night, emergency services were called to an apartment building on Avenida Córdoba at 4692, near Malabia Street, in the Buenos Aires neighborhood of Palermo. The building has 11 floors, and the incident occurred on the second floor. Initially reported as a gas leak, responders found three people with severe signs of carbon monoxide poisoning.[S1]
A 44-year-old woman and her 9-year-old son were found on the floor without vital signs. Despite CPR attempts, they could not be revived, and their deaths were confirmed around 11:30 p.m. A 13-year-old girl with severe respiratory distress was urgently transferred to Hospital Gutiérrez.[S1][S2]
Response and investigation
Six SAME ambulances, including a triage unit, and a private emergency team responded. Metrogas personnel cut the gas supply. Scientific Police conducted forensic examinations, and the case is under the jurisdiction of the Criminal Investigation Prosecutor's Office No. 50, led by Edgardo Orfila.[S1][S2][S3]
The silent killer
Carbon monoxide is a highly toxic gas that can accumulate in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces. It is produced by incomplete combustion of fuels like gas, gasoline, kerosene, or coal. It is dangerous because it has no color, odor, or taste and does not irritate mucous membranes.[S1][S2]
When inhaled, CO enters the bloodstream through the lungs and reduces oxygen delivery to vital organs like the brain and heart, potentially causing severe poisoning or death. In Argentina, about 200 people die annually and 40,000 are affected, according to the Ministry of Health. Metrogas reported 16 interventions for CO incidents in its distribution area by mid-year, affecting 28 people and causing six deaths.[S2]
Symptoms and prevention
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, weakness, nausea, vomiting, palpitations, chest pain, and loss of consciousness. If these signs appear, it is crucial to open doors and windows to ventilate the area, move affected individuals to fresh air, and seek medical help immediately.[S1]
