MARION, Ill. (WJPF) — Some staff members and inmates at The Williamson County Jail had to be taken to a hospital Wednesday morning after being exposed to carbon monoxide.
According to Sheriff Bennie Vick, an inmate complained of a headache around 4:00 AM. After an initial evaluation, the inmate was taken to a local hospital for treatment and later returned to the jail.
As the morning progressed, more inmates and staff members also complained of headaches and dizziness.
The Marion Fire Department was then contacted and asked to run air quality tests which determined the presence of carbon monoxide in the jail.
The affected area was evacuated and ventilated. Inmates and staff were moved to areas of the building not affected. A few were transported to local hospitals as a precaution.
Visitation at the jail was cancelled. Court cases for the affected inmates will be rescheduled.
