A “tragic incident” occurred at Gainsborough Care Home in Swanage, Dorset, this morning
Three people have been found dead at a care home in Dorset and seven more taken to hospital in a suspected carbon monoxide poisoning. Dozens of other vulnerable residents were evacuated from the Gainsborough care home in Swanage to a nearby church – some in wheelchairs and on stretchers – while places in other care homes were found for them.
Police have described it as a “tragic incident” are looking at “potential carbon monoxide poisoning” as their “primary line of inquiry.” A hazard response team, 10 double-crewed ambulances and “a significant number of additional resources,” were sent to the scene said a South Western Ambulance Service spokesperson, after they were called at 5.20am today to the incident in Swanage.
They added: “Two patients were conveyed by land ambulance to Poole Hospital.” It has now been confirmed that three people have died and seven others are in hospital following the incident at Gainsborough care home in Swanage, the Mirror reports.
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A spokesperson for the force said: “Dorset Police received a report at 7.16am on Wednesday 23 October 2024 in relation to three people who had been found deceased at a care home in Ulwell Road in Swanage. Enquiries are being carried out to establish the full circumstances and we are continuing to liaise with our partner agencies. The families of those who have died have been informed and the coroner has been notified.
“The deaths are currently being treated as unexplained and an investigation has been launched. Four other people have been taken to hospital as a precaution and other residents of the address have been evacuated to a safe location as emergency services respond to the incident.
“There remains a significant multi-agency presence in place at the address and a cordon remains in place as we work with partners to carry out further enquiries. At this time there is nothing to indicate any risk to the wider public. We understand this incident will have a significant impact on the Swanage community and our thoughts are very much with the families of those who have sadly died at this extremely difficult time.”
Councillor Gary Suttle earlier confirmed the deaths and added there is a “suspicion” that “this could be attributable to carbon monoxide but it has not been proven”. Witnesses said staff members at Gainsborough Care Home were seen outside the building hugging each other and crying.
