Eleven people taken to hospital after suspected carbon monoxide leak in M&S store

Eleven people have been taken to hospital following a suspected carbon monoxide leak at an M&S store in Charlton, south London.

They were among 35 people evacuated from the full-line store on Gallions Road this morning, all thought to be M&S staff. 

Nineteen were treated by ambulance crews for chemical inhalation and discharged at the scene.

“We were called at 9.32am today to reports of a suspected carbon monoxide incident on Gallions Road, Charlton,” said James Johnson, strategic commander for the London Ambulance Service.

“We sent a number of resources to the scene including ambulance crews, incident response officers, paramedics in fast response cars, advanced paramedics and paramedics from our hazardous area response team.

“We treated 30 people for chemical inhalation. We took 11 patients to hospital and discharged 19 patients at the scene.”

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “Firefighters were called at 08.35 today to a suspected carbon monoxide leak at a shop on Gallions Road in Charlton.

“Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus have used specialist equipment to carry out a systematic sweep of the building and found elevated readings of carbon monoxide. Crews have carried out further sweeps to check for no elevated readings. They have also completed a ventilation of the building.

“Around 35 people left the building before firefighters arrived and crews have assisted colleagues from the London Ambulance Service to treat a number of patients at the scene.

“Two fire engines and two fire rescue units were sent to the scene.”

An M&S spokesperson said: “Our Charlton store is temporarily closed as we investigate an incident that happened earlier this morning, we hope to reopen as soon as possible.”

Greenwich councillor David Gardner warned people to avoid the area in a post on Facebook. “There is a major incident this morning at M&S Charlton, with 35 people being treated for carbon monoxide poisoning. All three emergency servives are in attendance, so best avoid the area until all clear,” Gardner said.