Ghent (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Louizalaan School in Ghent led to CO poisoning, which required hospitalisation for sixteen individuals. Medical personnel initiated the disaster response plan at 08:15 after receiving the initial report.
In Ghent, a carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning incident led to the hospitalisation of 16 individuals. Alerts to emergency services occurred at 08:15, which led to a short-lived activation of the medical disaster plan. The victims kept their consciousness at all times, yet five patients needed supplemental oxygen therapy. A closure order from the fire brigade covered the boiler in the affected building, but investigators have yet to determine what led to the poisoning.
Around 08:15, the emergency services in Ghent received a report from a house in Berouw, near the Tolhuislaan in Ghent. There was talk of CO poisoning in a house with 6 residential units.
“The medical disaster plan was announced for a moment,”
Confirmed acting mayor Hafsa El-Bazioui (Groen).
“All 16 people present were taken to hospital for treatment. The victims are adults, but also children. They were also at home, now that it is school holidays”,
Says Matto Langeraert of the police. The victims remained conscious all the time, about 5 people had to receive extra oxygen. The others are in hospital for a check-up.
“No one is in danger of life.”
The fire department arrived on the scene and started an investigation.
“The boiler in the house has been sealed in the meantime. It is still unclear what the exact cause of the CO poisoning was,”
Concludes Langeraert.
What is the history behind the Ghent CO Poisoning Incident?
The public health concern about Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning reaches its peak as people increasingly use heating systems throughout the colder seasons. Belgian authorities report these types of events frequently. CO poisoning leads to hundreds of hospital admissions each year at the Belgian Poison Control Center and shows marked increases during winter seasons.
Statistics show that CO poisoning incidents prompted over 1,200 reports in 2022, which led to many hospital admissions and lethal outcomes. The Ghent incident demonstrates why regular heating system maintenance and residential CO detector installation are critical needs.
