Deadly carbon monoxide leak ruled unintentional as investigation turns to faulty boiler

Regina’s fire chief says a boiler from an apartment block in downtown Regina where a boy died of carbon monoxide poisoning last month will be sent away for further examination.

At a news conference on Friday, Layne Jackson said the investigation at the scene of the incident at 1827 Albert Street has wrapped up, with the leak determined to be unintentional.

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Jackson explained that the boiler had a significant internal failure, and a substantial amount of deadly carbon monoxide leaked into several suites as a result.

The ongoing investigation includes the Regina Police Service, as well as the Technical Safety Authority of Saskatchewan.

Regina fire chief Layne Jackson said a boiler that leaked a “substantial” amount of carbon monoxide into several suites of the Metro 1827 building will be sent away for further inspection. (Geoff Smith/980 CJME)

“We have seized that boiler, and we have it, and we are going to look to have further analysis and examination of that boiler done just to learn what the precise failure was with it,” Jackson said.

Eleven-year-old Henry Losco died in the incident, and Jackson expressed his condolences to the boy’s parents and family members.

“They experienced a devastating loss, and there’s really no words that can console,” he said. “Our hearts do go out to them.”

Jackson said the building was ventilated and made safe for residents to return to their homes. The fire department has been monitoring the building and ensured it is equipped with functioning carbon monoxide detectors.

Jackson was unable to answer questions related to the investigation, such as whether there had been any previous incidents involving the boiler.

Meanwhile, Regina Fire & Protective Services is once again reminding the public about the dangers of carbon monoxide, an odourless, colourless gas.

Residents were urged to have working detectors installed and to have fuel-burning appliances inspected by a professional once a year.