ECKELSON, N.D. (KFGO-AM) -- Barnes County Sheriff Randy McClaflin says an on-going investigation points to a malfunctioning furnance as the cause of the deaths of an elderly man and woman and the hospitalization of a third person.
McClaflin says deputies went on a welfare check at the rural Eckelson home around 7:30 p.m. Monday after a neighbor called because he hadn't seen the people for some time.
Deputies encountered a strong smell of propane once they entered the house and backed out until firefighters could clear the fumes. The victims were found in bedroom's and a bathroom. The dead were in their 70's.
The third victim was flown to a Fargo hospital. Her condition is not available. All three are related.