Emergency chaos at Gainsborough Care Home as 48 residents evacuated!
Mass Evacuation After Suspected Gas Leak
Emergency crews scrambled to Gainsborough Care Home on Ulwell Road, Swanage early Wednesday morning. All 48 residents — including dementia patients — were rushed to a nearby church hall amid fears of carbon monoxide poisoning. Police, fire, ambulance services, and Southern Gas Networks (SGN) joined the multi-agency response.
Firefighters and Ambulance Teams Battle On Scene
Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service were alerted at 7:47am after a call from ambulance crews. Four fire teams deployed from Swanage, Wareham, Westbourne, and Poole, with reinforcements from Dorchester and Winchester. South Western Ambulance Service sent a Hazardous Area Response Team and ten double-crewed ambulances. Two patients were rushed to Poole Hospital, sources confirmed.
Cllr Gary Suttle, Swanage ward councillor, said: “The fire service is testing inside but the building remains off-limits. There’s suspicion carbon monoxide could be involved, but nothing confirmed.”
Major Emergency Response Blocks Off Ulwell Road
Witnesses saw residents evacuated around 8:30am, some in wheelchairs. The scene features two fire engines, nearly a dozen ambulances, and multiple police cars. Ulwell Road remains closed with local bus routes diverted. Authorities warn the public to avoid the area as investigations continue.
Gas Network Engineers Stand By to Inspect
SGN spokeswoman Katie Lobban said their engineers arrived as part of the National Gas Emergency Service for southern England and are waiting to access the property for safety checks.
Group manager Neil Tidball added: “Firefighters are working alongside Dorset Police, South West Ambulance Service, and other partners to resolve this incident.
Dorset Police control the scene but are withholding further details. Swanage Town Council focuses on aiding emergency operations and declined additional comment.
Stay Tuned for Updates
The investigation is ongoing. Residents and commuters are urged to steer clear of Ulwell Road and follow official channels for developments.
