ELCA College Experiences Carbon Monoxide Leak, One Death

CHICAGO (ELCA) -- A carbon monoxide leak early July 14 in a
dormitory at Roanoke College, Salem, Va., caused almost 100
visitors to be treated at Roanoke-Salem area hospitals. One
death was reported, but carbon monoxide poisoning may or may not
have been the cause. Roanoke is one of 28 colleges and
universities of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
(ELCA).
"We have had one fatality. It is an elderly person. At
this point, it may or may not be related to the incident with
carbon monoxide. That is, of course, being investigated," Teresa
Gereaux, director of public relations, Roanoke College, told
reporters at a morning news conference.
"I believe it was a male. That's as much information as we
are releasing at this point, until there is notification of both
the group that was on campus and also this person's family," she
said.
Many of the visitors were taking part in "Power in the
Spirit," an annual conference sponsored by the ELCA Virginia
Synod, which has offices on the college campus. Other visitors
were part of an Upward Bound program.
Gereaux said 47 people were treated at Lewis-Gale Medical
Center, Salem, where an elderly woman was listed in critical
condition. Most of those treated were released. Five were
admitted, including the woman in critical condition.
According to online reports by The Roanoke (Va.) Times
newspaper, Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, Roanoke, treated
another 49 people. Most were released, but two to five were
being considered for admission.
Gereaux said approximately 140 visitors were staying in
"Sections" -- connected Fox, Wells and Yonce dormitories. About
100 were adults attending "Power in the Spirit" and 37 were
female high school-aged teenagers with the Upward Bound program.
The source of the carbon monoxide leak is being
investigated, Gereaux said.
An update on the college's Web site said, "At about 7 a.m.,
two of the campus visitors reported feeling ill. Campus Safety
notified Salem emergency workers, and when they arrived and
discovered others ill, they pulled the fire alarm and evacuated
the building. Anyone showing symptoms was transported to local
hospitals for evaluation."
"Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been
affected by this," said Dr. Sabine O'Hara, Roanoke president.
"We are doing everything possible to ensure the safety of all
people on our campus and provide support for those who have been
affected."
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The home page for Roanoke College is at
http://www.roanoke.edu/ on the Web.

For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or news@elca.org
http://www.elca.org/news
ELCA News Blog: http://www.elca.org/news/blog