Four in Anderlecht Hospitalized for Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Anderlecht (Eurotoday) – A family in Anderlecht suffered carbon monoxide poisoning from a gas cylinder water heater without a chimney. Four people (ages 19, 16, 22, and their mother) were hospitalized but survived. Firefighters, including spokesperson Derieuw, urge proper appliance installation, ventilation, and CO detectors.

On the night of March 6, 2025, emergency services were called to a house in Anderlecht after a 19-year-old girl fell ill. Suspecting carbon monoxide poisoning, firefighters and paramedics were dispatched. Upon arrival, they found that the girl’s mother and two other children, ages 16 and 22, were also suffering from CO poisoning.  

All four were taken to the hospital but were not in life-threatening condition. The father and another child were unharmed. A fire department spokesperson emphasized the importance of seeking immediate help if carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected.

How did a family in Anderlecht suffer CO poisoning?

According to officials, the family in Anderlecht was poisoned by CO from their water heater. The heater, running on a gas cylinder, was not connected to a chimney, causing hazardous gases to accumulate in the bathroom. On top of that, the bathroom lacked proper ventilation, preventing the gases from escaping.

Derieuw explained:

“It was not connected to the gas network and operated with a gas bottle. But above all, it was not connected to the chimney, which meant that all the combustion gases ended up in the bathroom, which also had insufficient ventilation.”

Following the incident, firefighters issued a warning about the dangers of carbon monoxide, an invisible and deadly gas. They urged residents to ensure gas appliances are installed by professionals and inspected annually to confirm they function safely. 

Proper ventilation is crucial, ensuring that combustion gases exit through a chimney or exhaust system. Firefighters also recommended placing CO detectors in homes, which can provide early warnings before gas levels become dangerous.

If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, open windows immediately, evacuate all occupants, and call emergency services right away.