A mother and her two children were the victims of carbon monoxide poisoning in Anderlecht, according to the Brussels Fire Brigade.
Emergency services received a call at approximately 03:30, from a residence on Avenue d'Itterbeek where two children had complained of nausea and headaches. When the ambulance arrived, its carbon monoxide detector immediately raised the alarm. This led to the evacuation of the premises and swift ventilation of the residence by opening the windows.
The affected individuals – an 11-year-old, a 13-year-old and their mother – were mildly poisoned by carbon monoxide and rushed to the hospital, but their lives are not believed to be in danger.
Fire brigade spokesperson, Walter Derieuw, said that an old, non-compliant gas burner in the building’s basement as the source of the intoxication. "The basement was also cluttered with items resulting in little to no ventilation, along with a lack of fresh air. The gas supply to the entire building has been shut off," he said.
The fire brigade also offered advice on preventing such carbon monoxide poisonings: install compliant appliances with the help of certified technicians; ensure they receive annual maintenance checks; monitor the removal of combustion gases; provide natural ventilation for fresh air inflow; and install approved CO detectors.
"If you start to experience symptoms like nausea, vomiting, sudden fatigue or headaches, take immediate action without risking your safety. Open windows, evacuate the premises, and call 112 for emergency assistance," the statement said.
