South Charleston , Kanawha County , West Virginia

Eyewitness News has uncovered new information surrounding the fatal carbon monoxide leak at the Holiday Inn Express in South Charleston.

We now know investigators are trying to determine whom of 3 different parties is ultimately responsible for the exhaust pipe on the pool heating unit to become disconnected.

Investigators say a hotel worker, an unnamed company and Barboursville based Premier Pools all worked on the heating unit.

Steve Combs owns Premier Pools. He says he was just finishing a job someone else started and feels his role wouldn't have any effect on the exhaust pipe disconnecting.

The pool heater is on the main floor in the pool equipment room, a room not accessible to guests. It is a Jandy Pool Heater model number LRZ. We're told that unit was installed around December 27th.

The exhaust pipe attached to the heater goes straight up until it gets to the fourth floor and that's where it bends at a 90 degree angle to release carbon monoxide outside. At that 90 degree angle is where the pipe became disconnected, causing CO to first build up inside the wall and eventually leak out into the hotel.

Investigators say while they are not certain it is likely, the exhaust pipe became disconnected when the old pool heating unit was disassembled,
meaning carbon monoxide was building up in a large area for around a month.

Investigators say they should be finished with their investigation by Friday.

How To Contact WCHS-TV8 | Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions | DMCA Policy | Frequently Asked Questions

Home | Eyewitness News Newsroom | Storm Team Weather | Eyewitness Sports | Schedules | Programs

---

Send email to news@wchstv.com for information or comments concerning WCHS-TV Eyewitness News.

Copyright ©2012, WCHS-TV8. Portions are
Copyright 2012 Associated Press. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or distributed.