Five residents of an apartment building in the Antwerp district of Merksem were hospitalised on Saturday due to carbon monoxide poisoning, according to local police.
Among the victims are two children, aged 2 and 4. Authorities have assured that no lives are in danger.
The boiler appears to be the source of the carbon monoxide leak.
The Royal Meteorological Institute warns against such incidents, particularly with temperatures nearing 0°C, prompting higher thermostat settings.
"Be attentive to symptoms like headaches or nausea, which could indicate carbon monoxide poisoning," the institute advises.
To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, firefighters offer several recommendations:
- Have your water heater installed by a professional technician.
- Conduct mandatory maintenance and inspections of the device annually.
- Ensure proper ventilation and inspection of combustion gas evacuation.
- Install certified carbon monoxide detectors.
- In case of symptoms (nausea, vomiting, headaches, sudden fatigue), call emergency services at 112.
- While waiting for help to arrive, open windows to ventilate the area and evacuate anyone present if possible.
