Summary: Terminix, an exterminator company, reportedly used a toxic chemical in close proximity to a tropical resort, causing one family to become seriously ill. The chemical, methyl bromide, is allegedly not supposed to be used indoors.
According to Intellihub, a luxurious trip to St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands was almost the last vacation a family of four would take. A father, mother, and their two children are in serious condition after Terminix fumigated a resort rental unit under the family’s unit to prevent rodent and insect infestations.
The family was discovered extremely ill and were airlifted to the mainland for treatment.
Last year, a scientist was convicted of poisoning his wife.
Initially, the father was in a coma. Currently, it is being reported that he cannot speak. According to CNN, the father is also unable to move.
The two children, boys aged 14 and 16, and their mother were reportedly suffering seizures. Additionally, at least one of the boys was experiencing bleeding in his lungs. As of now, many remain hopeful that the family will recover.
The family, from Delaware, had planned a nine-day vacation to a luxury resort villa owned by Sea Glass Vacations. According to NBC News, the family was vacationing at Sirenusa Resort in Cruz Bay. The resort is priced at around $1200 per night.
At the end of 2013, a judge’s wife was charged with poisoning him with antifreeze.
Terminix reportedly used a chemical similar to a “sarin gas” called methyl bromide. The chemical was supposedly used in close proximity to the family around March 18. The chemical is noted by the Environmental Protection Agency as being a “highly toxic” substance. Terminix may have used this chemical near resort guests and staff.
Terminix issued a statement after the incident, saying, “…Looking into this matter immediately and cooperating with authorities. We’re thinking about their family and join the community in wishing them a speedy recovery.”
In May of 2013, a woman was arrested for planting poison in a Starbucks.
The attorney for the family said, “This is the most horrifying story in the world. It’s sad to see that vacationers’ well-beings are being overlooked during such a common extermination practice.”
According to some reports, methyl bromide is not suitable for indoor use. A criminal investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Department of Justice.
Source: Intellihub
Photo credit: flickrhivemind.net