A couple was discovered deceased in their wine cellar following a tragic mishap as they were gearing up for a July 4 celebration.
The couple was in the midst of preparing to host friends when the unfortunate incident occurred, according to authorities.
Their bodies were found in their Houston, Texas residence around 7 PM on Friday evening after concerned neighbors alerted the police.
They were reportedly planning to host a Fourth of July party when they were knocked out by a chemical leak, officials said.
The couple was handling dry ice while preparing for their gathering, according to the Houston Police Department.
Officials said it was the dry ice that led to the couple’s death.
“There was dry ice being stored in the wine cellar,” HPD Lieutenant Larry Crowson said, according to CBS affiliate KHOU-TV.
“When dry ice melts, it turns into carbon dioxide.
“Unfortunately, it appears the two people who went into the wine cellar were overcome.”
When firefighters arrived at the basement, they noticed a chemical smell and retreated back outside, according to Fox affiliate KRIV.
The crews got their respirators and went back down into the wine cellar, where they found the bodies.
The man and the woman, who police have yet to identify, were pronounced dead at the scene.
Firefighters used fans to clear the chemical smell during their investigation.
The carbon dioxide gas will have to be completely cleared before the medical examiner can go in and perform the autopsy.
No foul play is suspected.
There was a cat inside the home that survived the fatal mishap, KHOU-TV reported.
The Harris County medical examiner’s office didn’t immediately return The U.S. Sun’s request for comment.
Dry ice is made of frozen carbon dioxide.
It’s often used to keep beverages cold and to cool small spaces like wine cellars.
High concentrations of carbon dioxide fumes can immediately kill you.
The CDC warns, “Carbon dioxide can replace oxygen in closed spaces, creating an oxygen-deficient environment.
“This can result in suffocation.”
