Water Heater Blamed for Carbon Monoxide Leak at El Capitan Hotel

OCEAN CITY, Md.- Authorities say an improperly vented pool and spa water heater was the source of carbon monoxide at the El Capitan hotel that sent a family of six to the hospital last Thursday night.

According to investigators with the Ocean City Fire Marshal's Office, a Ray Pak 2100 gas-fired pool and spa water heater was found in the basement of the hotel, located on 401 Atlantic Ave., where the family of six was vacationing.

Investigators say the Ray Pak 2100 was determined to be to be the only carbon monoxide producing device in the building which could not be ruled out as a possible source of the carbon monoxide.

The Ocean City Fire Department monitored carbon monoxide levels in the basement of the building and determined that the leak originated in the room that the Ray Pak 2100 was located. Investigators determined that the Ray Pak 2100 was improperly vented.

The fire department ventilated the building and determined the building to be safe for occupants. The family that initiated the carbon monoxide call was treated at Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin and subsequently released.