Four workers at Los Angeles International Airport on Monday morning, Oct. 31, were sickened when equipment in a utility room malfunctioned, releasing carbon dioxide — sending one to a hospital in grave condition and leading fire officials to evacuate Terminal 8.
At around 7 a.m. the four were inside the utility room “when a popping sound was heard, and the apparent release of carbon dioxide vapor took place,” Brian Humphrey, a spokesman for the Los Angeles Fire Department, said in a statement.
One worker, a man in his 50s, “was found pulseless and non-breathing inside the utility room,” Humphrey said.
Paramedics attempted CPR on him at the airport, then took him to a hospital, where his condition improved. The other three workers were described by authorities to be in “mild distress” after the gas release, and since then were treated at the scene and not hospitalized.
The utility room where the gas release occurred is in the baggage area. LAFD sent those inside to Terminal 7.
The terminal was still closed as of midmorning on Monday.
Flights with United Airlines were delayed, but the airport said on Twitter that any United flights already in the air headed to LAX could land. Any more flights still waiting to depart from other airports were going to be allowed to do so after 10 a.m.
But United flights from Terminal 8 at LAX were still grounded while the hazardous-materials team’s response continued.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
Related Articles
Los Angeles man arrested for allegedly breaking into Chase Bank in Arcadia
Arrest made after woman found dead in Woodland Hills
After fentanyl found in candy bags at LAX, officials warn parents to check Halloween candy
Multiple shots fired in Pittsburgh, at least 6 injured
8 dead, murder-suicide suspected in deadly Oklahoma blaze