Seven Hospitalized After Carbon Monoxide Leak In Valley Stream

Broken water heater vent caused dangerous gas buildup in illegally subdivided home

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Seven people were rushed to the hospital on Sunday night after a broken water heater vent filled a Valley Stream, New York home with dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. Two women were found unresponsive and are in critical condition, while five other residents, including two children, were treated for exposure. Investigators say the home had been illegally subdivided into multiple single-room occupancies and did not have any operating carbon monoxide alarms.

Why it matters

Carbon monoxide poisoning is a serious health risk that can be fatal if not detected and addressed quickly. This incident highlights the importance of proper home maintenance, code enforcement, and the need for functioning carbon monoxide detectors in all residences to protect public safety.

The details

First responders arrived at the home on Henrietta Street just before 9 p.m. on Sunday and found two women, ages 22 and 47, unresponsive. Both were rushed to the hospital in critical condition. Five other residents, ranging from 2 to 30 years old, were also transported to the hospital for treatment of carbon monoxide exposure. Investigators determined that a broken vent pipe on the home's water heater had allowed the dangerous gas to build up inside the illegally subdivided residence.

  • On Sunday, March 9, 2026, first responders were called to the home around 8:50 p.m.
  • The incident happened the same day clocks moved forward for Daylight Saving Time

The players

Nassau County Police

The local law enforcement agency investigating the carbon monoxide incident.

Valley Stream Fire Department

The local fire department that confirmed the two women remain in critical condition.

Town of Hempstead

The local municipality that covers Valley Stream and enforces housing codes, including rules around illegal subdivisions and carbon monoxide detectors.

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What they’re saying

“We must ensure all homes have proper safety equipment like carbon monoxide detectors to prevent tragedies like this.”

— Chief Michael Johnson, Valley Stream Fire Department

What’s next

Investigators will continue to examine the property and determine if any charges or code violations will be filed against the homeowner or landlord.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the critical need for all homes to have functioning carbon monoxide detectors and to comply with local housing codes, as illegal subdivisions and improper home maintenance can put residents at severe risk of exposure to this deadly gas.