FREEDOM, Maine — Tragically, two individuals lost their lives and two others were treated for carbon monoxide poisoning at a residence in Maine, which had previously been implicated in an illicit marijuana cultivation operation, officials reported on Tuesday.

Fire Chief Jim Waterman indicated that his team was notified of a potential gas leak shortly after 6 a.m. Upon arrival, they found dangerously high levels of carbon monoxide within the residence. At the time of the firefighters’ intervention, five people were present, with two already deceased upon their arrival. The two surviving individuals were promptly transported to hospitals for necessary medical care.

Back in May, local law enforcement conducted a raid on the same property, uncovering over 1,900 marijuana plants across multiple buildings. This incident aligns with a growing trend in Maine where illegal marijuana growers attempt to exploit the state’s legalization laws in order to discreetly produce cannabis intended for sale in jurisdictions where it remains prohibited.

On that fateful Tuesday, firefighters traced the hazardous carbon monoxide levels to a disconnected pipe from the propane heater, which had allowed harmful fumes to enter the home, as explained by Waterman.