Unseen Threat in Utah: Over 50 Churchgoers Hospitalised in Monroe – What Went Wrong?

Photo byYvette de WitonUnsplash

The incident at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints meetinghouse in Sevier County, Utah, highlights a significant issue regarding the safety regulations in public buildings. The unfortunate event, where nearly 50 church members were hospitalised due to carbon monoxide poisoning on New Year's Eve, has brought to light the fact that the building did not have carbon monoxide detectors installed. This absence of detectors is particularly concerning given the severity of the incident.

Utah State Fire Marshal Ted Black commented on the situation, noting that not all public buildings are required to have carbon monoxide detectors. He pointed out that the state policy mandates buildings to comply with the codes that were in force at the time of their construction. The reluctance to update these codes often stems from considerations regarding cost and labour.

Despite the desire to keep environments safe and comfortable without imposing unnecessary expenses, Black acknowledged that the incident in Monroe, although rare, was not unprecedented. A similar occurrence in 2019 involved a carbon monoxide leak at another Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints meetinghouse in Provo, resulting in 59 hospitalizations. That building also lacked a carbon monoxide detector.

Black estimated that tens of thousands of buildings across Utah might be without these critical safety devices. While updating state policy is a possibility, any changes would be contingent upon the findings from the investigation of the recent incident.

On the other side of the debate, Brandon Glines, a professional installer of carbon monoxide detectors in West Valley City, emphasized the importance and ease of installing these devices. He argued that safety should not be compromised for cost, especially since carbon monoxide detectors are relatively inexpensive and straightforward to install.

As the state awaits the investigation reports to fully understand the cause and corrective measures, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to safety standards and the potential need for updating building codes to ensure public safety.

Sources

https://www.abc4.com/news/monroe-church-where-more-than-50-people-fell-ill-wasnt-required-to-have-carbon-monoxide-detectors/