Emergency services have declared a "major incident" at a Marks and Spencer store on Gallions Road in Charlton, southeast London, following a suspected carbon monoxide leak. At least 30 people received treatment for chemical inhalation. Emergency services transported 11 patients to hospital and discharged 19 at the scene.
The London Ambulance Service responded at 9:32am on Tuesday, December 16, deploying conventional ambulance resources alongside specialist teams. James Johnson, Strategic Commander for the London Ambulance Service, told MyLondon: "We have sent a number of resources to the scene, including both conventional ambulance resources, specialist assets such as our Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) and Advanced Paramedic Practitioners."
The London Fire Brigade arrived earlier at 8:35am with two fire engines and two fire rescue units. A spokesperson told MyLondon that crews are "working alongside multi-agency partners to resolve the incident safely" at what they described as a "suspected carbon monoxide incident."
Public Warning
Greenwich councillor David Gardner, who represents the Greenwich Peninsula ward, urged residents to stay clear of the affected area. He posted on social media: "There is a major incident this morning at M&S Charlton with 35 people being treated for Carbon Monoxide poisoning. All three emergency services are in attendance, so best avoid the area until all clear."
The discrepancy in patient numbers reflects differing reports, with the councillor citing 35 people treated while the London Ambulance Service confirmed 30 people treated for chemical inhalation.
The London Ambulance Service is leading the ongoing incident response, with support from the Metropolitan Police and London Fire Brigade. Johnson told MyLondon: "We treated 30 people for chemical inhalation. We took 11 patients to hospital and discharged 19 patients at the scene."
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
