FREEDOM, Maine — Two people have died and two people are being treated for injuries after a carbon monoxide leak at a home in Freedom on Tuesday.
Emergency officials responded to a home at 555 Belfast Road shortly after 6 a.m., Freedom Fire Chief Jim Waterman told NEWS CENTER Maine.
The caller who alerted officials about the leak was outside the home when officials arrived. Two people were found dead, and two other people were taken by ambulance to a hospital for treatment.
All of the people at the home were from the country of China, according to Waterman.
The Waldo County Sheriff's Office is the lead investigating agency, Waterman said, adding that the cause is believed to be a cut in an exhaust line of the home's heating system.
As of noon Tuesday, the scene had been cleared by emergency officials.
On May 13, 2024, the Maine State Police Tactical Team and the Waldo County Sheriff's Office responded to the same home to execute a search warrant related to an illegal marijuana growing operation. During the investigation, officials found more than 1,900 live plants that were subsequently destroyed, the Waldo County Sheriff's Office said in a press release.
At the time, the Waldo County Sheriff's Office said the investigation was ongoing and charges would be reported at a later date. NEWS CENTER Maine is working to find out the current status of that investigation.
This story may be updated as NEWS CENTER Maine learns more.