A suspected carbon monoxide leak triggered a major incident at a Marks & Spencer store in southeast London on Tuesday morning, leading to multiple hospitalisations and a large-scale emergency response.
Emergency Services Swarm Charlton Store
The incident unfolded at the M&S branch on Gallions Road in Charlton. Shortly before 9:00am, carbon monoxide alarms sounded inside the premises, prompting staff to alert the emergency services. The London Fire Brigade (LFB) and London Ambulance Service dispatched significant resources to the scene.
Firefighters confirmed the presence of dangerous gas upon arrival. Elevated readings of carbon monoxide were detected within the building, leading crews to initiate a full ventilation process to make the area safe.
Dozens Treated for Chemical Inhalation
The suspected leak had a direct impact on shoppers and staff. At least 30 people required treatment at the scene for symptoms related to chemical inhalation. Of these, emergency services determined that eleven individuals needed further assessment in hospital.
The remaining 19 people were treated by paramedics and discharged from the location. A London Ambulance Service spokesperson later confirmed that six of those hospitalised were undergoing further tests. Reassuringly, none of the injuries are believed to be life-threatening.
Store Closed for Investigation
In the wake of the incident, Marks & Spencer has taken the decision to close the Charlton store until further notice. The retailer has launched an internal investigation to determine the precise cause of the suspected carbon monoxide leak.
The swift activation of the store's alarms and the rapid response from the emergency services have been credited with preventing a more serious outcome. The London Fire Brigade has reiterated the importance of working carbon monoxide detectors in commercial and residential buildings.
