5 Hospitalized Following Carbon Monoxide Incident in Merksem, Antwerp

Antwerp (Eurotoday) – In Merksem, Antwerp, five people, including two children, were hospitalized for carbon monoxide poisoning caused by a faulty boiler.

In Merksem, a neighborhood in Antwerp, a two-story apartment building on Heiremanstraat experienced a serious issue due to a broken boiler. On January 11, 2025, around 12:30 PM, the fire department received an emergency call about suspected carbon monoxide poisoning in one of the apartments.

What caused the carbon monoxide poisoning in Merksem?

Carbon monoxide is a harmful gas that is both invisible and odorless. It can build up in enclosed spaces, making it especially dangerous. When firefighters and paramedics arrived, they discovered that the faulty boiler had led to dangerously high levels of carbon monoxide in the apartment.

Five people, including two small children and three adults, were affected by carbon monoxide gas in the building. The victims were promptly taken to a hospital in Antwerp for medical care. Fortunately, none of them was in critical condition, and the swift response of emergency services helped prevent the situation from escalating.

Credit: MARC HERREMANS – MEDIA HOUSE

What safety measures can prevent carbon monoxide poisoning?

Following this incident, the Antwerp fire brigade has urged residents to implement essential safety measures. It advises that heating appliances such as boilers, stoves, and fireplaces be regularly inspected and serviced to ensure they are in proper working condition and pose no risks to occupants.

The fire brigade also recommends the installation of carbon monoxide detectors in all homes. These detectors act as an early warning system, alerting residents when carbon monoxide levels reach dangerous levels. Such simple precautions can significantly reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Last weekend, another case of carbon monoxide poisoning was reported, and eight individuals, including five children, were hospitalized. Emergency responders quickly provided medical treatment to the victims. Similar to the recent Merksem incident, there were no fatalities. However, the uptick in such cases has raised concerns about faulty heating appliances and the lack of adequate home ventilation.

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