A concerning incident occurred at a daycare facility in Kittery, where several children and adults were transported to the hospital following a suspected carbon monoxide leak. All affected individuals are expected to make full recoveries due to prompt medical attention. The event took place at Building Blocks Learning Center, situated near Route 236. Emergency services arrived swiftly after receiving reports of children experiencing symptoms like headaches and nausea. An investigation into this matter is currently underway by state officials.

Details of the Incident

In the late afternoon of a particular Wednesday, an alarming situation unfolded at the Building Blocks Learning Center in Kittery. Around 3:30 PM, emergency personnel were alerted when daycare staff noticed children complaining about feeling unwell. Upon arrival, it was discovered that carbon monoxide levels inside the building were dangerously elevated—over ten times higher than safe limits, according to Fire Chief Craig Alfis. Consequently, twenty-seven young attendees and ten staff members were evacuated from the premises immediately.

Seven children, including a toddler, along with four adults received treatment at Portsmouth Regional Hospital. Thanks to timely intervention, all patients have been discharged and anticipate complete recovery. Dr. Marc Grossman, an emergency room physician involved in the care, noted that while the exposure levels were significantly above normal, they were not critically high for the children, who ideally should not have any detectable levels of carbon monoxide in their systems.

The center had passed a safety inspection in June, confirming the presence of functioning carbon monoxide detectors. However, it remains uncertain whether the alarm was active during the incident. Investigators, including Maine State Fire Marshal Shawn Esler, are working diligently to uncover the cause and will continue their efforts overnight. It is anticipated that more information will be available soon, although the daycare’s reopening is unlikely for the immediate future.

This incident underscores the critical importance of maintaining and regularly testing safety equipment in public spaces, especially those frequented by vulnerable populations such as young children. It serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers lurking in unexpected places and highlights the necessity for stringent safety protocols and rapid response mechanisms.