Chimney flue, culprit in bistro CO outbreak

December 23, 2007 (WPVI) -- According to the manager of the Italian Bistro restaurant, the chimney flue was reportedly the problem that caused over a dozen people to be rushed to local hospitals Saturday night, after an apparent Carbon Monoxide outbreak.

"My son just started to get sleepy and then my sister-in-law passed out after she came up to the first floor," patron Olgar Abarca said.

Olger Abarca didn't know what was wrong as he tried to get help for his family. Other diners started to show signs of Carbon Monoxide poisoning, too.

"Everyone was like crazy and started running out. After we got out, we started breathing a little bit better," Abarca said.

"One dad had tried to get his child out, people wouldn't get out of his way and he was screaming," another patron said.

The fire department responded and quickly evacuated the Italian Bistro, as well as the KICKSUSA store next door. Victims complained of nausea, failed coordination, and a general feeling of fatigue.

"These are classic symptoms of CO poisoning. People go to sleep," Fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayers said.

It's unclear what caused the Carbon Monoxide outbreak, but investigators are looking at the heating system. Fortunately, it appears all the victims should make a full recovery.

"It was a little crazy, but we made it out. I think everyone is going to be okay," Abarca said.

As of Sunday, the restaurant is still closed. The fire department is still investigation the situation.

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local/state, chad pradelli

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