5 people sent to hospital after carbon monoxide leak at downtown Atlanta hotel
ATLANTA - An apparent carbon monoxide (CO) leak led to the evacuation of Residence Inn by Marriott in downtown Atlanta on Friday morning, sending five people, including two children, to the hospital for observation.
"I saw about two ambulances arrive at that location and upstairs with stretchers," Jonathan Barrall said.
Assistant Chief Greg Gray of Atlanta Fire Rescue reported that the department initially responded to a call for a medical issue at 8:36 a.m. Upon arrival, crews discovered elevated CO levels throughout the building, prompting an immediate evacuation of all 20 floors.
The initial victims, three adults and two children, were transported to Grady Memorial Hospital. According to Chief Gray, one victim was reportedly unconscious when emergency responders arrived, though the severity of injuries remains unclear.
"They couldn't wake the children up and that's what triggered the initial 911 call," Gray said.
The building, which has 160 rooms, had approximately 100 occupied at the time of the incident. Firefighters went door-to-door and floor-to-floor to ensure the evacuation was complete. The fire alarm system was also activated to alert occupants.
"When our units got here, they did activate our fire alarm system by pulling the fire alarm system. Folks inside were able to be alerted and come down on their own. We did go room to room and floor to floor from 20 all the way down to make sure the building was clear," Gray said.
"Everything was really quick, there were a ton of fire trucks out here and a ton of fire fighters. It felt safe," said Addie, who is in town with her friends to visit the Georgia Aquarium. She said she was told to leave the hotel.
"Next thing you know the smoke alarm. Some modern-day smoke alarm and we were like 'is that someone's phone going off.' It was like 'alarm alarm. Evacuate now,’" Rondy Marji said.
A total of 20 Atlanta Fire Rescue units, comprising about 80 personnel, responded to the scene, working alongside Atlanta Police and Grady emergency staff. Ventilation efforts included shutting off the building’s gas supply and using fans to clear carbon monoxide from the structure.
While MARTA buses were on standby to provide shelter for evacuees due to the cold weather, most residents were able to leave the building independently and did not require additional assistance.
The cause of the CO leak remains under investigation. Chief Gray emphasized that crews will continue working to restore safe air levels and determine when residents can return to the building.
Updates on the conditions of the hospitalized victims are expected as more information becomes available.