Cause of Motel 6 evacuation: clogged lint trap in dryer

CEDAR RAPIDS — Multiple reports of potential carbon monoxide gas exposure at a Cedar Rapids Motel 6 over the weekend have been attributed to two different sources — a natural gas leak and a clogged lint trap in the motel’s laundry room.

The last issue was resolved and motel guests were allowed back in the building by 3:15 p.m. Saturday, according to Mike Battien, the Cedar Rapids Public Safety communications specialist.

The Cedar Rapids Police Department and Cedar Rapids Fire Department were called to the motel, at 616 33rd Ave, SW, at 10:14 a.m. and again at 1:44 p.m. Saturday, both times for reports of gas or vapor exposure.

The first call ended after Mid-American Energy crews determined the gas was coming from a natural gas leak, which they stopped up, according to Battien.

When first responders were called the second time, firefighters performed a room-by-room search to make sure all residents were evacuated safely out of the building. Other firefighters searched for the source of the leak and ventilated the building.

A clogged lint trap was discovered in a dryer in the building’s laundry room, which was blocking carbon monoxide produced by the machine from leaving through the exhaust pipe and instead was leaking into the laundry room.

The issue was resolved and motel guests were allowed back inside.

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