Bennie Vick

MARION, Ill. (WJPF) — Inmates and staff at the Williamson County Jail had to be taken to the hospital after a carbon monoxide leak in the building.

According to Williamson County Sheriff Bennie Vick, the first inmate complained of a headache around 4:00 AM Wednesday.

As the day progressed, more inmates as well as staff complained of headaches and dizziness.

The Marion Fire Department was called to an air quality check, which determined the presence of carbon monoxide in the jail.

The affected area was evacuated and ventilated. A total of fifteen inmates along with some of the correctional staff were treated and released for local hospital.

The fire department and Ameren have checked the building and given the all clear to return to normal operations.

Contractors and engineers believe the leak came from a boiler that malfunctioned during the night.