Carbon monoxide investigation over care home deaths

Investigation is ongoing after three individuals tragically died from suspected carbon monoxide poisoning at the Gainsborough Care Home in Swanage, Dorset. Early Wednesday morning, emergency services responded to the scene at around 5:20 AM, leading to the hospitalization of seven other residents and the evacuation of the facility.

By Wednesday evening, a 60-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter. As the local community rallied to support the affected elderly residents, many expressed their sorrow over the unfortunate incident.

In an interview with BBC Radio Solent’s Dorset breakfast program, Deputy Mayor Chris Moreton shared his thoughts on the heartbreaking situation. “My main concern is for the families who have lost loved ones,” he said. After hearing of the evacuation, Moreton and his wife rushed to All Saints Church, where many residents were being taken for shelter. “The ambulance service’s swift response highlighted the gravity of the situation,” he noted, acknowledging the emotional toll on care home staff and the community at large.

Rev. Jo Levasier, the vicar at All Saints, was awakened early that morning with a request to use the church hall to accommodate the evacuees. “I’m thankful that a plan was in place, and the care home knew whom to contact,” she remarked. The process took several hours, and Rev. Levasier praised the emergency services for their outstanding efforts. “The church was bustling with activity, and when the weather turned, the community stepped up, providing dry blankets in no time,” she added.

Resident Maggie O’Neill described the scene as emergency vehicles surged into Swanage. “I ran to help when I realized people were being brought to the church. I saw around 40 residents, covered in blankets and looking distressed,” she recalled. O’Neill assisted in providing refreshments for those who had been abruptly awakened. “It was still early morning when they were taken from their beds—they were understandably shocked. It was heartwarming to see how much care and support the community offered to Gainsborough’s residents.”

Following the incident, gas distribution company SGN confirmed that safety checks had been completed and that their engineers had found no issues with the gas network. They reassured the community that it was secure.

Amidst the chaos, local businesses also stepped in to help. A nearby bakery donated pastries while a restaurant provided bags of fish and chips for the evacuated residents. Reflecting on the tragic event, Dorset South MP Lloyd Hatton described the deaths as a “devastating blow to the whole community,” emphasizing the strong sense of support and care that characterizes Swanage.

Dorset Council reported that all 44 residents from Gainsborough Care Home had been relocated to temporary accommodations, either in other Agincare facilities or hospitals. The community’s response underscores the resilience and compassion of local residents during such trying times.