Regina Fire Chief Confirms Fatal Carbon Monoxide Leak Was Unintentional
More than a month after a tragic carbon monoxide leak at a downtown Regina apartment claimed the life of an 11-year-old boy, fire officials have concluded the incident resulted from mechanical failure rather than intentional action. Regina Fire and Protective Services (RFPS) has determined the December 19th leak originated from the building's boiler system, which experienced what Fire Chief Layne Jackson described as a "critical failure."
Investigation Points to Accidental Boiler Malfunction
During a Friday press conference, Fire Chief Jackson stated that scene examination is complete and investigators have confirmed the leak at the multi-family building on the 1800 block of Albert Street was "unintentional" and "accidental in nature." The mechanical failure within the boiler unit resulted in significant amounts of carbon monoxide being released into several of the building's suites.
"We're still determining and confirming all of these circumstantial details," Jackson said in his update, emphasizing that while the building is currently safe and occupied with ongoing monitoring, the investigation remains active.
Multiple Investigations Continue Amid Family Concerns
The Regina Police Service is conducting a separate investigation into potential criminal aspects of the incident, with RFPS collaborating alongside the Technical Safety Authority of Saskatchewan, which regulates gas, electrical and boiler safety in the province. Jackson emphasized the seriousness of the investigation, calling it "one of our top priorities."
Meanwhile, the parents of 11-year-old Henry Losco, who died from carbon monoxide poisoning resulting from the leak, have expressed concerns about potential negligence. Marina Hills and Sergio Losco have questioned why carbon monoxide alarms on their floor failed to activate and why maintenance did not respond to alarms on other floors of the building.
Unanswered Questions About Safety Systems
Several key questions remain unresolved according to fire officials:
- How long the boiler was leaking carbon monoxide before detection
- Whether the building was compliant with safety codes prior to the incident
- The functionality of carbon monoxide detectors present in the building
- The specific mechanism of the boiler's "critical failure"
Jackson confirmed that carbon monoxide detectors were present in the building but could not verify whether they were functional at the time of the incident. Further examination of the boiler will be conducted to understand precisely how the failure occurred.
The tragic incident has highlighted the importance of carbon monoxide safety in residential buildings, particularly during winter months when heating systems are in constant use. As investigations continue, Regina residents are reminded of the critical importance of maintaining and regularly testing carbon monoxide detectors in their homes.
