Carbon monoxide poisoning suspected in 2 deaths in Newburgh; 10 sickened

NEWBURGH (WABC) -- Less than 24 hours later, Adrian Hargrove is out of the hospital, but is still disoriented - still emotional about the incident that nearly took his life, and did claim the lives of two neighbors in Newburgh. A carbon monoxide leak sent 10 people in two buildings to the hospital.

Building resident Brandi Lopez thought she had the stomach flu.

It was Wednesday when a woman was taken to the hospital and later pronounced dead. However, Carbon Monoxide wasn't suspected and the fire department was not called until Thursday, when numerous people became ill. The man who had called for help the day before was found dead in the apartment. Fire officials say their portable carbon monoxide detectors immediately went off.

Investigators say the chimney to the building was clogged with debris, allowing exhaust from the furnace to build up. The fumes penetrated the adjoining wall to the neighboring building. 55 Lander Street is still off-limits, so police helped Adriam Hargrove find temporary housing. In the meantime, friends are remembering the couple who lost their lives.