Emergency services have responded to an incident at Gainsborough Care Home on Ulwell Road, Swanage, resulting in the evacuation of all residents. Police, fire, and ambulance crews are currently on the scene, with Southern Gas Networks (SGN) also in attendance.
Incident Details
Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service reported that crews were called to the scene at 7:47am on Wednesday, 23 October, following a request from the ambulance service. Four fire crews from Swanage, Wareham, Westbourne, and Poole, along with support vehicles from Dorchester and two additional crews from Winchester, are actively managing the situation. The South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) confirmed that they dispatched a Hazardous Area Response Team and ten double-crewed ambulances. Two patients have been transported to Poole Hospital.
Cllr Gary Suttle, a Swanage ward councillor, stated that the fire service is conducting tests within the building, with no further access allowed at this time. He mentioned that there were suspicions of carbon monoxide being a potential cause, although this has not been confirmed.
Evacuation and Response
All 48 elderly residents, some of whom have dementia, were evacuated to a nearby church hall as emergency services worked to resolve the situation. Witnesses reported seeing residents being moved out, some in wheelchairs, around 8:30am. A heavy emergency presence, including two fire engines, multiple police cars, and around eight or nine ambulances, has been noted.
The road remains closed, and local bus services are being diverted as emergency services manage the incident.
Southern Gas Networks (SGN) and Further Statements
A spokesperson for SGN, Katie Lobban, confirmed that their engineers were called to the scene as the National Gas Emergency Service for the south of England. The team is currently awaiting access to the building to conduct safety checks.
Group manager Neil Tidball from Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service stated: “Firefighters are working with Dorset Police, South West Ambulance Service, and other partners to resolve this incident.
Dorset Police have not yet released further details but have taken control of the scene. Swanage Town Council stated that they are focusing efforts on assisting the emergency response and are unable to comment further.
Ongoing Investigation
As the investigation continues, emergency crews remain on site. Authorities are advising residents and commuters to avoid the area and follow official updates.
