Cold Front Triggers Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Yucatan Town, Six Hospitalized

Tizimín, Yucatan — Six people, including elderly residents and children, were hospitalized after suffering carbon monoxide poisoning in the Yucatan city of Tizimín on Tuesday, with authorities linking the incidents to residents using charcoal and firewood indoors to combat unusually cold temperatures.

The poisonings occurred as Cold Front No. 32 brought temperatures down to 8 degrees Celsius (46°F) overnight, prompting residents to burn fuel in enclosed spaces for warmth.

The first incident was reported around 8:30 a.m. at a home in the La Huayita neighborhood, where family members found an elderly couple semi-conscious in their bedroom. Relatives discovered charcoal scattered beneath their hammocks, which had apparently produced smoke accumulation overnight.

Paramedics from the Red Cross and the Public Security Department evaluated José Mercedes T.N., 75, and Venancia T.C., 70, diagnosing both with carbon monoxide poisoning. They were transported to the IMSS (Mexican Social Security Institute) hospital for treatment.

Minutes later, around 8:35 a.m., emergency services responded to a second report in the Benito Juárez neighborhood where two children were found unconscious. By the time police arrived, the father had already taken the children to San Carlos General Hospital in a private vehicle.

However, their mother, Greydi Isela C.K., 34, remained at the home unconscious. According to reports, the family had used a griddle with charcoal embers inside a room, keeping doors and windows closed due to the cold weather, which caused toxic gas accumulation. Paramedics evaluated the woman and transported her to the hospital in a Public Security Department ambulance.

A third incident occurred around 11:00 a.m. in the San Francisco neighborhood, where an elderly man was reported unconscious. His daughter found Adalberto Y.E., 70, lying on the floor of his bedroom. Paramedics determined he was semi-conscious and disoriented, with probable carbon monoxide poisoning, though they didn’t rule out a possible stroke. He was taken to San Carlos General Hospital for specialized medical attention.

Municipal police urged residents to avoid using charcoal, firewood, or embers in enclosed spaces, warning they pose serious health risks, particularly during cold weather periods.