BALTIMORE, MD—A 34-year-old man died, and a woman and child were critically injured in North East, Cecil County, on Wednesday night from suspected carbon monoxide poisoning, according to the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office.

Family members found the man unresponsive in the living room of the home at 805 South Main Street around 6:30 p.m. and called 9-1-1. A 43-year-old woman and a 4-year-old child were found disoriented. The man was pronounced dead at the scene, and the woman and child were flown to Shock Trauma in Baltimore by the Maryland State Police Aviation Command. North East Fire Company, North East Police Department, and Cecil County Department of Emergency Services paramedics responded to the scene.

The Office of the State Fire Marshal was called in to investigate the death investigation alongside the North East Police Department and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. Investigators believe carbon monoxide from the incomplete combustion of the home’s oil furnace was a contributing factor in the man’s death, though the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will make the official determination. Soot was found throughout the home, covering the furnace’s air filter.

“This tragic event is a reminder to reflect on your own family’s safety during difficult times due to weather,” stated Acting State Fire Marshal Jason M. Mowbray. “Routine maintenance and safe operation of heating equipment, combined with properly installed and operating smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, and practicing your home escape plans are a life-saving combination for all Marylanders,” Mowbray said.

The Office of the State Fire Marshal recommends regular servicing of heating appliances by qualified technicians and the installation of carbon monoxide detectors in homes. Replace your carbon monoxide alarm every five to six years, as specified by the manufacturer.

This article was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.