Charcoal brazier in an apartment: 2 adults and 3 children poisoned by carbon monoxide

It was suspicious smoke which led to the intervention of the firefighters. Saturday evening, shortly before 10 p.m., they were called to intervene in a residence in Saint-Jean, near Toulouse. On their arrival, they discovered the presence of a charcoal brazier in an apartment, while outside temperatures had been dropping below 5°C in Toulouse at night for several days.

The first readings indicate a high level of carbon monoxide in the apartment. Firefighters rescued five victims: two adults and three children. The family received first aid on site before being taken to the Purpan University Hospital for emergency treatment.

Firefighters ventilated the home to eliminate any presence of carbon monoxide. 18 firefighters, 6 vehicles from SDIS 31 and the gendarmerie intervened in this operation carried out at the address 65 route d'Albi.

16 people supported in Tournefeuille

At 2:30 a.m. this time, in Tournefeuille in the suburbs of Toulouse, firefighters rescued the residents of a residence located at 19 rue des Saules, where the presence of carbon monoxide was also detected. The cause of the intervention was a gas leak. 16 people were treated by the emergency services. In agreement with the SAMU, they were left on site after an assessment. The municipality opened a gymnasium to accommodate them for the night. 11 firefighters and the municipal police were mobilized.

Around a hundred deaths per year in France

Carbon monoxide is responsible for around a hundred deaths per year in France, indicates the Ministry of Health. Around 3,000 victims are recorded every year. This gas is a formidable danger: it is invisible, odorless and non-irritating. The first signs of CO poisoning are headaches, fatigue and nausea. If these problems appear, it is urgent to ventilate the premises, evacuate the premises and call the fire brigade.