VIRGINIA BEACH -- Inspections continue Thursday at Emerald Point apartments following the release of carbon monoxide in several buildings.

Five people were taken to the hospital Tuesday night for treatment.

Battalion Chief Tim Riley says the investigation at Emerald Point Apartments forced them to shut off all gas at the complex, impacting heating and hot water service to the nearly 400 residents.

Ryan Bellamy, 13News

Gas was shut off to the complex as investigators searched for the source of a carbon monoxide leak.

"There were high levels of carbon monoxide throughout the complex, affecting several buildings. Testing showed levels in some of the building at 100 parts per million, which is high but not at critical levels," he explained.

Riley says the apartments are equipped with carbon monoxide detectors that went off, alerting fire officials around 11:00 p.m. Tuesday.

Riley says they took the safest approach by shutting off the gas to the entire complex.

Wednesday morning, officials with the Virginia Beach fire marshal, codes department and housing department were working with the management company, Breeden Company, and its private contractor to verify that all appliances in each unit are working properly.

"The gas will be systematically turned on one by one to ensure that proper venting is confirmed," Riley stated.

Riley says inspectors worked until 10:00 p.m. Wednesday and he expects all units to have their natural gas turned back on by 2:00 pm.

He says there won’t be any charges placed, adding the management company is doing everything possible to resolve the issue.

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