SUV left running in St. Petersburg apartment garage; three hospitalized

ST. PETERSBURG — Three people were hospitalized with suspected carbon monoxide poisoning Sunday after a vehicle was left running in the garage of an apartment building.

According to authorities, a Nissan sport utility vehicle was running overnight in a garage at the Promenade at Carillon.

Emergency workers responded to 540 Carillon Parkway shortly after 6:30 a.m. after getting a 911 call about a sick person.

Upon arrival, paramedics found two people exhibiting signs of carbon monoxide poisoning. They were treated, taken to Largo Medical Center and later released.

Firefighters pulled the fire alarm to evacuate the building. They searched 28 apartments and evacuated more than 58 residents.

Looking for the source of the gas, firefighters searched eight garages using a thermal imaging camera. One garage registered as containing a heat source.

Firefighters cut the garage door open and found the running Nissan.

While searching the apartments above and behind the affected garage, firefighters found an unconscious 64-year-old woman on the floor. She was taken to Northside Hospital and was in critical condition Sunday.

The apartments were ventilated using large fans, and authorities say the situation was under control in a matter of hours. Authorities have identified the owner of the Nissan as a tenant of the building. The woman left the vehicle running by accident, authorities said.

The investigation continues.