Carbon monoxide poisoning suspected in deaths of two in Bedford

BEDFORD - Two people died as a result of a suspected carbon monoxide incident in Bedford on Sunday.

Bedford Fire and Police were called to 99-2 Pulpit Road around 4 p.m. today for what was described as a medical call. Upon arrival they found two people, a male and female, deceased inside the home, according to a Dept. of Safety release sent out Sunday night.

While autopsies are scheduled for today to verify cause and manner of death, the preliminary investigation indicates that carbon monoxide was a factor.

The cause of the release of the suspected carbon monoxide remains under investigation. Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is asked to contact the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal's Office at (603) 223-4289 or fmo@dos.nh.gov.

State Fire Marshal Toomey reminds all New Hampshire residents to ensure they have working carbon monoxide alarms in their homes and to test them monthly. It is recommended that alarm batteries be changed during daylight saving time and any time an alarm starts chirping, which is an indicator of a low battery.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that is known as the "silent killer". Signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning may include headache, weakness, dizziness, nausea, or vomiting, as well as shortness of breath, confusion, blurred vision, or loss of consciousness. Anyone experiencing these symptoms, or if a carbon monoxide alarm goes off, should exit their home, get to fresh air, and call 9-1-1 immediately so their local fire department can investigate the cause of the alarm.