Five people taken to hospital after carbon monoxide leak in Clapham

Five people were taken to hospital after a carbon monoxide leak at a block of flats in Clapham.

Around 25 firefighters called to a residential block on William Bonney shortly after 10pm on Monday found carbon monoxide leaking from an industrial boiler in the basement. 

Two adults and three children were taken to hospital while a further three people were assessed for carbon monoxide poisoning by London Ambulance Service crews.

Carbon monoxide fumes are odourless, invisible and tasteless but can kill in minutes.

Fire crews from Clapham, Brixton, Battersea and Tooting fire stations used specialist equipment to ventilate the building.

By 3am they found the elevated readings of carbon monoxide had subsided.

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: "You can't taste, see or smell CO fumes, but it can kill in minutes.

"It's really important to fit a CO alarm in all rooms containing fuel burning appliances, ensuring that the alarm is able to be heard throughout your home. When sleeping, it is important that your alarm would wake you if it sounds.

"It's also a good idea to familiarise yourself with the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning and learn what to do if you suspect someone may be affected."

The Brigade was called at 2211 and the incident was over for firefighters by 0300. Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters from Clapham, Brixton, Battersea and Tooting fire stations attended the scene.

CO poisoning symptoms: 

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Breathlessness
• Collapse
• Loss of consciousness

These symptoms also apply to your pets – so keep an eye on them too. Poisoning symptoms can easily be confused with just feeling unwell, which is why CO poisoning is so dangerous, and so often missed.