‘Stay away’ warning issued in Smethwick as nine taken to hospital after suspected carbon monoxide leak

A number of residents in Firs Lane began to ‘feel unwell’ on Sunday evening

Nine people were taken to hospital with possible carbon monoxide poisoning in Smethwick.

A number of residents in Firs Lane began to ‘feel unwell’ on Sunday evening (March 16).

Emergency services – including police, firefighters and medics – responded to a suspected carbon monoxide leak, affected a row of five houses, at around 6.24pm.

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Firefighters rescued one man from a property, while another was led to safety.

Crews then used specialist equipment to ensure the premises were clear of any gases or fumes before leaving the scene.

West Midlands Fire Service took to X at 9.13pm on Sunday to say crews were at the scene “supporting blue light colleagues and partner agencies” and urged people to “avoid the area”.

A spokesperson later told BirminghamLive: “At 6.27pm on Sunday, March 16, we were called to Firs Lane, Smethwick. Three fire engines responded.

“This was a suspected carbon monoxide leak, affecting residents of a row of five houses.

“Nine people were taken to hospital by ambulance. Firefighters wore breathing apparatus to conduct a thorough check of the premises.

“One man was rescued, and another was led to safety. Before leaving the scene, we used specialist equipment to ensure the premises were clear of any gases or fumes.”

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We were called to Firs Lane, Smethwick at 6.24pm last night (Sunday) to reports of residents feeling unwell from breathing in fumes in a building.

“Hazardous Area Response Team paramedics, two paramedic officers and three ambulances were sent to the scene.

“The team of ambulance staff worked rapidly to assess a number of residents at the scene.

“Of those assessed, nine patients were taken to hospital for further treatment for potential carbon monoxide poisoning.”