Ganshoren, Brussels, 26 October, (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Five people were hospitalised following a Ganshoren CO poisoning incident on Sunday, 25 October, after emergency services detected dangerous carbon monoxide concentrations inside a residential apartment. One person reportedly lost consciousness while showering, prompting an emergency response and raising concerns about the safety of domestic gas-powered water heaters.
The incident occurred at approximately 3.55 pm in an apartment building on Avenue de l’Exposition Universelle in Ganshoren, a municipality in the Brussels-Capital Region.
Emergency services transported the unconscious victim to UZ Brussel in a serious condition. Four other occupants were also taken to hospital for medical examinations following possible exposure to the toxic gas.
Firefighters Detect Dangerous Gas Concentrations in Ganshoren
Brussels firefighters conducted measurements throughout the affected apartment and identified elevated carbon monoxide levels.
According to fire brigade spokesperson Walter Derieuw, measurements reached 220 parts per million in a bedroom adjoining the bathroom. The bathroom itself recorded approximately 100 parts per million, despite ventilation having already begun.
Firefighters suspected that a gas-powered water heater in the bathroom was responsible for the contamination.
Emergency crews disconnected the appliance and ventilated the property to remove the hazardous gas.
Energy distribution operator Sibelga subsequently sealed the apartment’s gas meter as a precaution.
Firefighters also examined neighbouring apartments connected to the same technical shaft. No elevated carbon monoxide concentrations were detected in those properties.
Brussels Emergency Services Highlight Serious Health Risks
Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless and tasteless gas produced when fuels do not burn completely.
Exposure can prevent the blood from delivering sufficient oxygen to vital organs, potentially causing serious injury or death.
Symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, nausea, weakness, confusion and unconsciousness.
Brussels emergency services have repeatedly warned that faulty combustion appliances, obstructed exhaust systems and inadequate ventilation can increase the risk of poisoning.
Residents are advised to arrange professional maintenance of gas appliances and ensure that ventilation systems remain unobstructed.
Carbon monoxide alarms can provide an additional warning, although they do not replace regular inspections or proper ventilation.
Previous Carbon Monoxide Incidents Raise Concerns in Brussels
The latest incident follows previous cases of carbon monoxide exposure in the Belgian capital.
In December 2024, six people, including two children, were hospitalised following poisoning at a property in Ganshoren. Investigators linked that incident to an improvised exhaust installation connected to an oil-fired boiler.
In January 2026, another incident in Neder-Over-Heembeek resulted in 11 hospitalisations after a heating installation developed an exhaust-system fault.
These incidents illustrate the dangers associated with poorly maintained heating equipment and inadequate removal of combustion gases.
What the Ganshoren Incident Means for Residents
The Ganshoren CO poisoning incident highlights the importance of household safety inspections, particularly in apartment buildings where multiple homes may share ventilation or technical shafts.
Although firefighters found no elevated gas concentrations in neighbouring apartments, the emergency response demonstrated why inspections beyond the affected property can be necessary.
Residents using gas-powered water heaters should ensure that appliances are properly installed, maintained and ventilated.
What Happens Next?
The suspected water heater has been disconnected, and Sibelga has sealed the gas meter. No confirmed date for restoring the installation has been announced.
The latest publicly reported information does not establish the patients’ subsequent medical conditions or identify the precise technical defect responsible for the exposure.
Brussels firefighters continue to advise residents to recognise poisoning symptoms, leave potentially contaminated buildings when safe and contact emergency services immediately.
The incident serves as another reminder that routine appliance maintenance and effective ventilation are essential safeguards against potentially fatal carbon monoxide exposure.
