LAX contract worker remains in coma after accidental carbon dioxide release at airport

ByABC7.com staff KABC logo
Friday, November 4, 2022
LAX contract worker remains in coma after carbon dioxide release
A contract worker is in a medically-induced coma, fighting for his life following an accident at Los Angeles International Airport.

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A contract worker is in a medically-induced coma, fighting for his life following an accident at Los Angeles International Airport.

Cris Abraham, 36, was among four people inside a utility room on Monday when carbon dioxide was suddenly released from the fire suppression system, displacing oxygen in the room.

The odorless gas caused the husband and father of two to go into cardiac arrest. Firefighters arrived wearing protective gear, got him to safety and performed CPR. He was hospitalized in critical condition.

Three other people who had been in the room at the time were able to evacuate safely.

It's not clear yet what triggered the discharge of carbon dioxide, as there were no indications of a fire.

Cal OSHA is investigating.

RELATED: 4 people sickened, including 1 in grave condition, after carbon dioxide leak at LAX

Four people became suddenly ill after a reported carbon dioxide leak at an LAX terminal on Monday morning, authorities said.