STRONG - A 60-year-old Strong man was transported to Shamokin Area Community Hospital early Wednesday afternoon following a carbon monoxide investigation at his residence.
John Thomas, of 152 Second St., was taken by AREA Services Ambulance to the hospital for precautionary measures after a blocked and rotted smoke pipe leading to his furnace caused carbon monoxide to filter into the basement and other areas of his home at about 12:30 p.m.
A friend of Thomas, who preferred not to be identified, said a nurse was tending to Thomas when the incident occurred and assisted him in exiting the residence. No injuries were reported.
Thomas' friend said the victim suffers from leg and shoulder injuries that restrict his movement. The friend said he had taken Thomas earlier in the day to a Veterans Affairs clinic in Frackville.
Strong Assistant Fire Chief John Baluta said fire and emergency personnel arrived at Thomas' home within minutes after being dispatched to the emergency call. In addition to firefighters from Strong and AREA Services Ambulance personnel, also responding were Kulpmont firefighters and Mount Carmel Township Police Chief Brian Hollenbush.
Emergency personnel were at the scene for about an hour.