Residents of Gainsborough Care Home in Swanage in Dorset have been evacuated from the building after three people were found dead at the home.
Police were called to the care home in Ulwell Road at 7.15 am on Wednesday 23rd October 2023 triggering a full multi-agency response from the ambulance, fire and police services.
Investigation underway at Gainsborough Care Home in Ulwell Road
The scene outside the care home as police, fire and ambulance crews arrived
Suspected carbon monoxide poisoning
While it’s not been officially confirmed, it’s suspected that the deaths are linked to carbon monoxide poisoning. Workers from gas company SGN are at the scene of the incident.
Seven other people have been taken to hospital as a precaution.
The rest of the residents are being looked after at the nearby All Saints Church.
Emergency teams are at All Saints Church in nearby Redcliffe Road where the residents were brought for safety
Redcliffe Road outside the church
Full police statement
“Dorset Police received a report at 7.15 am on Wednesday 23rd 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 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.”
