5 dead in Phelps County from carbon monoxide poisoning

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Five people were found dead from carbon monoxide poisoning on Friday morning, according to a social media post from the Phelps County Sheriff’s Office.

The post says the Rolla Rural Fire Department was called at 5:24 a.m. for a carbon monoxide alert at a duplex just east of Rolla. The Rolla Rural Fire Department wrote that it occurred on Village Circle.

First responders found five people dead, another critically injured and one person on the other side of the duplex with moderate injuries, the sheriff's office statement says.

A deputy was exposed to carbon monoxide and was treated by paramedics, the statement says. The remaining injured victims were flown to a hospital. The cause of the poisoning has not been determined.

“As of this time, the victims and their next of kin have not been notified. Consequently, no further information can be disclosed regarding their identities,” the sheriff’s office wrote. “The ongoing investigation aims to determine the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident, which is expected to be a lengthy and thorough process.”