This just came in from Salem, NH. A 77-year-old man and his dog were found dead last night due to carbon monoxide poisoning. This is the second reported carbon monoxide-related death since the power outage. Here’s the release from the Salem PD:
Tuesday December 16 – At @ 2138 hrs Salem Police and Fire responded to 13 Mason Drive for a report of smoke coming from the home. Upon arrival officers discovered a deceased male subject and dog on the first floor of the home. Salem Fire worked quickly to open up the house and determine the cause of the smoke. Power was restored the area earlier in the day and it appears the boiler was in a state of malfunction. Neighbors did report hearing a small explosion earlier in the evening. It appears the resident and his dog were overcome by carbon monoxide poisoning. The decedent was identified as Alexander Conca, 77 YOA. Salem Police Detectives, the State Fire Marshall, and the Rockingham County Attorney’s office were notified and the case remains under investigation.
There have been several close calls aside from the two deaths.
- On Dec. 12, a Danville man died of carbon monoxide poisoning from an improperly ventilated generator
- More than 20 sent to hospital from carbon monoxide poisoning.
Noah R. Bombard is the new media editor for The Eagle-Tribune in North Andover. He is a former award-winning newspaper and magazine editor who has been covering news in Massachusetts since 1997.