Story by the Associated Press; curated by Dave Urbanski

CARLE PLACE, N.Y. (AP) — A Dunkin' Donuts customer looking for a morning cup of coffee was in the right place at the right time — and was carrying the right equipment.

Scene of the harrowing escape. (Image source: News12 Long Island)

Authorities say when an ambulance technician entered the store in Carle Place, New York, around 4 a.m. Friday, the carbon monoxide detector he was wearing suddenly sounded off, indicating high levels of the poisonous gas.

The technician hustled the employees out of the fast-food joint and notified authorities. An investigation found a vent in one of the ovens was the problem.

Carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless, and prolonged exposure can be fatal.