By John Hales
The Salt Lake Tribune
EPHRAIM, Utah — Carbon monoxide is the most likely cause of several Snow College students falling ill Tuesday night in the school’s science building, but officials aren’t quite sure where the gas came from.
About 40 students and faculty received treatment for carbon monoxide poisoning after two students suddenly fainted within seconds of each other, prompting a call to 911.
“It was really scary,” said student Shawnee Smith, who was leading a study group in the building’s anatomy lab at the time.
The building was quickly evacuated. Upon treating the evacuees, ambulance and fire crews found symptoms consistent with carbon monoxide poisoning.
As of 11 p.m., when most students were cleared to leave, none had been transported to hospital. Snow College spokesperson Greg Dart, however, said that one of the students who fainted hit her head and would probably require medical attention.
Dart said elevated levels of carbon monoxide were detected in the building.
“As far as what caused the carbon monoxide, we don’t know,” he said, especially since it was a science building where various chemicals are present. Dart said there are no natural gas lines into the building, but there are propane lines for use in science labs.
Ephraim Fire Chief Kerry Steck gave the all-clear for classes on Wednesday, but said crews would continue to monitor for any changes.
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