2 Men Dead After Chemical Exposure Outside MI Home: Sheriff

ST. CLAIR COUNTY, MI — Two men are dead after they were exposed to a toxic gas while working outside a home in St. Clair County earlier this week, according to sheriff's officials.

Officers were called at noon on Tuesday to a home in the 3900 block of Cribbins Road near Bryce Road in Clyde Township for a report of two unconscious men, officials said.

Officers arrived at the home and immediately encountered a chemical smell in the area, officials said.

They found a 20-year-old Riley Township man and a 21-year-old Clyde Township man unconscious at the home, officials said.

Both men were taken to a hospital, where officials said they died.

Multiple first responders were also taken to a hospital for decontamination, officials said.

Investigators believe the men were working on a well at the home, which was recently purchased. They believe the men were exposed to hydrogen sulfide, which is a toxic, colorless, and flammable gas with a rotten egg smell.

Hydrogen sulfide, which is also known as sewer gas, is produced by the decomposition of organic matter in low-oxygen environments, and is commonly found in sewers, landfills and oil/gas deposits.

Exposure to the gas can cause burning eyes, coughing, headaches, unconsciousness and death.