JUNE 9, 2015
Blanchard, N.D.
Blanchard, N.D.
Four people are dead in what authorities believe is a case of carbon monoxide poisoning in a rural home in Traill County.
The Sheriff's Office says emergency responders rescued four other people from the home near Blanchard late Sunday.
Capt. Tony Ernst says local and state investigators believe that a propane-fueled water heater being used with a swimming pool was improperly vented and caused the deadly carbon monoxide gas to build up inside the home. No foul play is suspected.
Dead are 53-year-old homeowner Ross Matejcek, 27-year-old Ricky Fisher of Blanchard, 24-year-old Margaret Fisher of Portland, and 6-year-old Jabin Newmes of Portland.
Forty-five year-old Bonnie Fisher of Blanchard and three children were rescued from the home and taken to hospitals in Hillsboro and Fargo. Fisher is listed in good condition.