(DOVER, Del.)- The Department of Correction can confirm a boiler malfunction led to a carbon monoxide leak at Morris Community Corrections Center in Dover. The boilers passed a DNREC inspection on 08/11/2015, and are not due for re-inspection until May of 2017. The Dover Fire Department responded and has cleared the facility, and offenders are able to return to their housing areas.
The boilers in question have been shut down and a mechanical contractor is on site making repairs and assessing the boilers. DOC maintenance staff will monitor the carbon monoxide levels for the next 48 hours. An engineering firm is scheduled to be on-site at 8:30 a.m. tomorrow, June 22, to make a complete assessment of the boiler room mechanical area.
As of this report, 68 offenders and one DOC employee have been transported to area hospitals with symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure. Two offenders and one correctional officer will be admitted for further observation and treatment. Many offenders have already been cleared by medical staff and returned to the Morris Community Corrections Center.
The Department of Correction would like to recognize and thank the Dover Fire Department, Kent County EMS, and the Bayhealth Medical Centers in Dover and Milford for their quick response and assistance.