Three people are believed to have died following a suspected carbon monoxide leak at Gainsborough Care Home in Swanage, Dorset. Emergency services were called to the scene early this morning, prompting a major response involving multiple agencies.
Incident Details
Local Conservative councillor Gary Suttle confirmed that three people have died. The incident, which authorities are treating as a suspected carbon monoxide leak, led to the evacuation of residents to nearby All Saints Church. Staff were seen embracing each other in tears as emergency crews remained at the scene.
The South Western Ambulance Service reported receiving a call at 5:20am on Wednesday and dispatched a Hazardous Area Response Team, 10 double-crewed ambulances, and additional resources. Two patients were transported to Poole Hospital for treatment. Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service, who were called at 7:47am, deployed four fire crews from Swanage, Wareham, Westbourne, and Poole, with additional support from Dorchester and Winchester.
Evacuation and Local Response
Residents of Ulwell Road, where the care home is located, witnessed the evacuation of Gainsborough Care Home residents. One local resident, who spoke asking not to be named described seeing patients, some in wheelchairs, being moved out of the building. He reported seeing two fire engines, multiple police cars, and eight to nine ambulances on the scene.
Reverend Jo Levasier, Team Vicar for All Saints Church, confirmed that carers and some residents were relocated to the church for safety. The church is currently providing support to those affected.
Ongoing Investigation
Southern Gas Network (SGN) engineers have been deployed to the site in their capacity as the national gas emergency service for the south of England. Katie Lobban, spokesperson for SGN, stated, “Our engineers are waiting for access to the building to complete safety checks. Our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected by this tragic incident.”
Gainsborough Care Home
The Gainsborough Care Home, managed by Agincare, is a 48-bedroom facility spread over two floors. Agincare has yet to provide a comment on the incident. Emergency services, including police, fire, and ambulance crews, remain at the scene as investigations continue.
Local authorities have asked residents to avoid the area and for the public to refrain from speculating until the investigation is complete.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
