'Public health hazard': Officials shut down Rutland hotel
A Vermont hotel has been forced to shut down by health officials two days after it was rocked by a gas explosion.
According to documents released by the Rutland town health officer, the location has been ordered to stop booking guests until management can prove its gas and electrical systems meet state regulations.
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Following an investigation, officials found that hotel staff received a complaint of gas from a guest prior to the explosion on Monday. Management reportedly ignored safety procedures — evacuating the building and calling the Rutland Town Fire Department — and instead asked a maintenance worker to "locate the source of the smell and correct it."
Frustrated by the inaction of hotel staff, the guest proceeded to cal 911, per the health official.
Rutland firefighters responded to the call and determined the source of the gas smell was the boiler room. Shortly after closing the door to the room, an explosion occurred and caused significant damage to the hotel.
The town health official added in their statement that the building offers a major risk to public health.
"...the property was subject to numerous outstanding life, safety, health and/or building code violations of which the owner and/or operator of the hotel has failed to correct," the report read. "In its current condition, the Holiday Inn constitutes an imminent and substantial public health hazard."
An emergency health order has been issued to evaluate any public risks the hotel may offer.
Repairs are currently being made to the building, however it's not currently clear when it will reopen, if at all.