PORT ARTHUR, Texas – Three deaths and six hospitalizations are being reported in Port Arthur in a possible carbon monoxide poisoning from a generator, according to Port Arthur city officials.
Port Arthur Police and Jefferson County responded to reports Friday just before 10:30 a.m. at the Bida Vinh game room, officials told KPRC 2.
City officials confirmed three shrimpers who were finding shelter from Hurricane Laura were pronounced dead, according to Jefferson County Precinct 7 Justice of the Peace Brad Burnett. Six others were taken to a nearby hospital, with four being in critical condition and two in stable condition, according to police. Officials said a generator was being used inside the game room.
“More than 22 people, including one child flown to Texas Children’s hospital, have been transported to local hospitals with possible Carbon Monoxide poisoning due to the use of portable generators. We are saddened to report three deaths from generators have been reported for the City of Port Arthur as of today,” Port Arthur City officials stated in a separate release.
City officials confirmed to KPRC 2 that three shrimpers were found dead inside the business in the 700 block of 9th street.
MaryAnn Nguyen and her husband Khiem Nguyen own Lovely Mother Shrimp Boat. They told KPRC 2 that the victims were all friends, one of them was their worker, Chau Nguyen, who spent his life catching shrimp.
“He helped me a lot...every crew on my boat helps me, but he [was the] one [who tried] to contact me the best,” Khiem Nguyen said.
Now MaryAnn and Khiem Nguyen are trying to find Chau Nguyen’s family.
“I hope I can find out where his family and how many (family members) live in the US,” MaryAnn Nguyen said.
MaryAnn Nguyen asked that if anyone knows about Chau Nguyen’s family, they should give her business a call.
The city is now encouraging citizens to be careful and informed when using portable generators. Friday afternoon Port Arthur Police also posted a reminder on the proper use of portable generators on their Facebook page.
This story originated from KMBT News, click here to read more.