A tragic incident in West Valley City has left three disabled adults dead after they were found inside an idling van. The shocking case has raised serious questions about safety, supervision, and responsibility in care services for vulnerable individuals. Authorities have arrested the driver involved, while the company he worked for is now under investigation.
Driver Arrested After Fatal Carbon Monoxide Incident
A 25-year-old driver, Isaiah Pulu, has been arrested after three disabled adults died from suspected carbon monoxide poisoning in West Valley City on Friday. Police confirmed that the victims were left inside a running van parked in a garage for several hours.
Pulu worked for Safe and Sound Services, LLC, a company based in Salt Lake City that provides transport and support services for people with disabilities. He has been taken into custody and is facing multiple charges, including manslaughter and aggravated abuse of a vulnerable adult.
Victims Left Inside Idling Van for Hours
According to police reports, Pulu admitted that he left the three men inside the van while he went into his apartment. He reportedly spent more than three hours eating lunch and watching television while the vehicle remained running inside a garage.
Two of the victims were non-verbal and depended heavily on caregivers for support. Pulu told authorities that he had left the garage door open when he went inside. However, when he returned, he claimed the garage door was closed.
Investigators believe the running vehicle inside the closed garage caused carbon monoxide to build up, leading to the deaths of the three men.
Company CEO Responds to the Incident
The company involved has been identified as Safe and Sound Services, LLC. When media visited the company’s business address, the office doors were locked. Later, reporters spotted the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Shawn Sabba, leaving the premises.
Sabba said he did not want to give a detailed statement until he spoke with the company’s lawyers. However, he did comment briefly, saying that the driver’s behaviour on the day of the incident was “not normal.”
He also confirmed that the company did not know the driver had taken the clients to his personal residence. According to Sabba, Pulu had been working with the company for around two years.
Services Provided by the Company
Safe and Sound Services offers more than just transport for assisted-living clients. The company also runs a day programme designed to help individuals with disabilities through support and activities.
At present, the company serves 21 clients. However, it has been temporarily banned from accepting new clients due to an ongoing investigation by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
Government Action and Investigation
The DHHS has taken quick action following the incident. Officials issued a Notice of Emergency Agency Action, which stops the company from admitting new clients for 30 days.
During this period, the company must retrain all staff members on safe transportation and proper supervision practices. Authorities are also reviewing whether the company followed all state rules and safety guidelines.
Officials said such serious incidents always lead to a detailed investigation. The temporary restrictions will remain until authorities complete their review.
Community Reaction and Ongoing Questions
The tragedy has deeply affected families, friends, and the wider community. Many people are demanding stricter safety checks and stronger supervision standards for companies that care for vulnerable individuals.
Questions are also being raised about monitoring systems for drivers and how such a serious lapse went unnoticed. The investigation is expected to focus on both individual responsibility and company procedures.
Incident Overview
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | West Valley City, Utah |
| Victims | Three disabled adults |
| Cause | Suspected carbon monoxide poisoning |
| Driver | Isaiah Pulu, 25 |
| Company | Safe and Sound Services, LLC |
| Charges | Manslaughter, abuse of vulnerable adult |
| Action Taken | Company under investigation, new clients banned |
