8 hospitalized, dogs rescued after Norristown carbon monoxide leak

NORRISTOWN (WPVI) -- Eight people are in the hospital, two in critical condition, after a carbon monoxide leak in Montgomery County.

Fire crews were called out to the 100 block of West Airy Street in Norristown around 11:00 p.m. Saturday.

Firefighters found elevated readings in five homes.

Officials say the source of the leak was a generator running in the basement of one of the homes.

"Power to the home was shut off for non-payment by the utility company on the 21st of this month and sometime between then they went out and purchased a new generator and they were running that to power the home," Norristown Fire Chief Tom O'Donnell said.

Eight people were taken to the hospital, including a paramedic.

Two are in critical condition.

Crews also rescued two dogs who needed to be given oxygen.