SUMPTER TWP. (WWJ) -- The deaths of two children in a garage in Wayne County appears to have been a tragic accident, according to authorities.
According to Sumpter Township Police, officers and the fire department were called to the scene at around 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 4, at a home on Executive Drive, east of Elwell Road.
The kids — ages 8 and 12 — were found lying inside the garage, not breathing, where a portable gas-powered generator was operating during a power outage following Friday’s storms.
"Sadly, attempts to resuscitate them were unsuccessful," police said, adding: "Our sincere condolences go out to the family during this difficult time."
It's unclear where the parents were, or who was supervising the children.
No names or further details were released.
With this incident in minds, police are reminding the public of the dangers posed by generators and carbon monoxide.
Police urge the following precautions:
- Never run a generator inside a home, garage, basement, shed, or other enclosed area, only outdoors, well away from doors, windows, and vents.
- Ensure your home has working carbon monoxide (CO) detectors.
This comes after a similar fatal incident in Melvindale over the weekend. Authorities said a 16-year-old boy died on Saturday while running a generator in his basement, according reported by to multiple news outlets.
More than 400,000 DTE Energy customers lost power during gusty storms on Friday. As of Monday morning, around 80,000 homes and businesses were still waiting on their power to be restored.
RELATED: Tens of thousands of Metro Detroiters still without power after Friday's storms
A 16-year-old Melvindale boy died in a similar incident Saturday
A 16-year-old Melvindale boy died in a similar incident Saturday
