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Two dead from generator fumes as massive power outage hits Toronto

TORONTO, Dec. 24 (UPI) -- Two people in Canada died of carbon monoxide poisoning while using a gas-powered generator to heat their home during a power outage, officials say.

An ice storm that that toppled trees and power lines, knocking out power to hundreds of thousands of people in the Toronto area sparked more than 100 calls about carbon monoxide poisoning, the Toronto Star reported.

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The deaths of a 52-year-old man and his 72-year-old mother occurred in Newcastle, about 50 miles east of Toronto, when fumes from a generator seeped into their home Monday afternoon.

Several people in the home called for emergency help after they fell ill. The man and his mother were rushed to a hospital where they died, the Star said.

About 90,000 homes and businesses in Toronto remained dark and cold for a third day at midday Christmas Eve. Many were not expected to have power until Friday, authorities said.

Toronto Hydro Chief Executive Officer Anthony Haines said Tuesday morning about 40 feeder lines that each carried electricity to thousands of customers still needed to be reconnected.

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