Two Killed by Gas Leak in Vegas Motel

Two men died and at least 15 other people were taken to local hospitals this morning when carbon monoxide from a malfunctioning water heater seeped into first-floor rooms at a 99-unit motel in downtown Las Vegas.

Firefighters responding to the Crest Motel broke down doors to reach some of the victims, many of whom were unconscious. At least five of those hospitalized were later reported in serious condition.

A Southern California husband and wife who had been staying in a room in which one of the men later died had transferred to another unit on Wednesday after the woman became dizzy and nauseous, and finally lost consciousness. She was revived with oxygen at a nearby hospital.

Las Vegas Fire Chief Richard Gamon said that other residents reported headaches and dizziness Thursday night, but despite the complaints, no one detected the cause of the problem until after the two bodies were found.

Gamon said a ventilation pipe apparently had been knocked from the water heater, causing the lethal gas to seep into first-floor rooms.