Anderlecht (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – A family in Anderlecht suffered carbon monoxide poisoning from a gas cylinder water heater without a chimney. 4 people (ages 19, 16, 22, and their mother) were hospitalised but survived. Firefighters, including spokesperson Derieuw, urge proper appliance installation, ventilation, and CO detectors.
Last night on March 6, 2025, emergency services were called to a house in Anderlecht because a 19-year-old girl was sick. They thought it might be CO poisoning, so they sent firefighters and paramedics. When they got there, they found that the girl’s mom and 2 other kids, ages 16 and 22, were also sick from carbon monoxide.
All 4 were taken to the hospital, but they weren’t in danger of dying. The dad and another kid were fine. A fire department spokesperson said it’s important to call for help right away if you think there might be carbon monoxide poisoning.
How did a family in Anderlecht suffer CO poisoning?
According to the officials, a family in Anderlecht was poisoned by CO from their water heater. They said the water heater operated on a gas cylinder and did not have any connection to a chimney, meaning all the hazardous gases remained within the bathroom. The bathroom itself also lacked a proper fresh air supply, meaning that the gases had nowhere to escape.
Derieuw added.
“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.”
After the family in Anderlecht got sick from carbon monoxide, firefighters warned everyone about the dangers of this invisible gas. They say to make sure your gas appliances are put in by someone who knows how to do it safely.
People should also have them checked every year to make sure they’re working right. It’s very important to have good airflow in their house and make sure any gases from burning fuel go outside through a chimney or exhaust system.
As instructed by the firefighters, place CO detectors in your home so that they will alert you when there is too much gas. If you suspect you may be poisoned by carbon monoxide, open up the windows, evacuate everyone from the house, and call 911 immediately.
