Four people were hospitalised following carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning in Saint-Gilles and Molenbeek-Saint-Jean in Brussels on Sunday.
The Brussels Fire Brigade reported two separate incidents of CO poisoning on Sunday, one in Saint-Gilles and one in Molenbeek. Four individuals were hospitalised but none were in life-threatening danger.
"At around 19:00, a Paramedical Intervention Team (PIT), an ambulance with a specialised nurse, was dispatched to Rue Edmond Machtens in Molenbeek for an acute medical emergency," said fire brigade spokesperson Walter Derieuw.
"As soon as the responders entered the flat, their CO detector sounded an alarm. The 80-year-old resident was immediately evacuated, the windows were opened and the gas boiler was shut off."
The poisoning occurred due to a poorly maintained heating boiler, which has since been sealed by Sibelga, the gas network manager for the Brussels-Capital Region.
Credit: Belga / Laurie Dieffembacq
Just three hours later, the fire brigade and medical services were called to Rue d'Albanie in Saint-Gilles following an alert from a Sibelga technician.
"Positive CO readings were found in the family house. The family of three was evacuated and examined by emergency paramedics," Derieuw continued. "The parents and their adult son were transported to hospital. Fortunately, their lives are not in danger."
In this case, a defective gas boiler and poor exhaust ventilation caused the incident. Sibelga has sealed the gas meter.
How to prevent poisoning
Following the events this weekend, the fire brigade has reiterated guidelines on how to prevent CO poisoning.
Brussels households should have a carbon monoxide alarm installed by a certified technician. The device should be maintained and checked annually.
Every home should have natural ventilation and a fresh air supply. Residents should be vigilant and respond to any symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, headaches or sudden fatigue.
If residents experience these symptoms, they should open windows, evacuate the building and seek assistance from the emergency services by dialling 112.
