Son Finds Three Bodies in SUV After Being Called to Help With Flat Tire

A tragic carbon monoxide incident in Toledo, Ohio, has left a family devastated after several people were found unconscious inside a Ford Explorer that had stopped because of a flat tire.

Initial reports said three people died and two children were hospitalized in critical condition. A later local update reported that another child had died, bringing the death toll to four, with one child still hospitalized.

Vehicle Had Pulled Into Parking Lot After Flat Tire

According to officials, the Ford Explorer pulled into a parking lot after getting a flat tire.

The victims included a grandmother and her grandchildren, and the woman’s son had been called to help. He discovered the family shortly after 11 a.m. Wednesday, Toledo Fire Chief Allison Armstrong said.

Carbon Monoxide Detected Inside Passenger Area

Investigators later tested the SUV by starting the engine with the doors closed and placing a meter inside the vehicle.

Armstrong said the test showed a major spike of carbon monoxide inside the passenger compartment. The SUV was later towed by police for further examination.

Officials Believe Incident Was Accidental

Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz said investigators do not suspect foul play.

He described the incident as a heartbreaking tragedy, saying on Facebook that no family should ever have to experience such a loss. Officials have not immediately released the names, ages or hometowns of the victims.

Cause of Carbon Monoxide Leak Still Under Investigation

Authorities are still trying to determine how carbon monoxide entered the Ford Explorer’s cabin.

Armstrong said identifying the exact cause is important not only for the investigation but also for public safety. She said people deserve to know how such a dangerous situation could happen.

Similar Case Recalled by Fire Chief

Chief Armstrong also recalled a similar carbon monoxide case from years earlier.

In that incident, gas reportedly seeped into a vehicle through holes in the floorboards. Investigators have not yet confirmed whether anything similar happened in the Toledo case.

Ford Explorer Model Year Not Yet Known

Officials have not confirmed the model year of the Ford Explorer involved in the Toledo tragedy.

That detail may become important because Ford Explorers were previously the subject of a lengthy federal investigation into exhaust odors and possible carbon monoxide concerns.

NHTSA Previously Investigated Ford Explorer Exhaust Odors

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration previously conducted a six-year investigation involving 2011 to 2017 Ford Explorer models.

In 2023, the agency closed the probe after reviewing more than 6,500 complaints, testing vehicles and consulting automotive, medical, environmental health and occupational safety experts. NHTSA concluded that the vehicles did not show high carbon monoxide levels and that no recall was needed.

Probe Covered Nearly 1.5 Million SUVs

The federal investigation covered nearly 1.5 million Ford Explorers from model years 2011 through 2017.

Many complaints involved police departments using Ford Explorer Police Interceptors. NHTSA found some cabin fumes in certain situations, including police-modified vehicles and SUVs repaired after rear crashes, but said the evidence did not support a recall.

Carbon Monoxide Is Difficult to Detect

Carbon monoxide is especially dangerous because it has no color or smell.

The CDC says common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain and confusion. High exposure can cause a person to pass out or die.

Why Vehicle Carbon Monoxide Exposure Is Dangerous

Vehicle exhaust can become deadly if it enters the passenger area and occupants remain inside.

Because carbon monoxide can affect people quickly and may not be noticed until symptoms become serious, any unusual exhaust smell, dizziness, weakness or confusion inside a running vehicle should be treated as an emergency.

Investigation Remains Ongoing

Authorities are continuing to inspect the SUV and gather evidence.

The key question remains how carbon monoxide built up inside the passenger compartment while the vehicle was parked after the flat tire. Until that is determined, officials are urging patience as investigators work to understand what happened.

The Toledo Ford Explorer carbon monoxide tragedy began with a flat tire but ended in devastating loss. Investigators confirmed a major carbon monoxide spike inside the vehicle, while officials said foul play is not suspected.

The case has renewed attention on vehicle exhaust safety and older concerns involving Ford Explorer exhaust odors, though the specific model year in this incident remains unknown. As the investigation continues, authorities say finding the source of the carbon monoxide leak is essential for both the family and public safety.