Emergency services declared a major incident at a Marks & Spencer store in south-east London this morning following a suspected carbon monoxide leak. The alarm was raised at the Charlton branch, prompting a large-scale response from paramedics and specialist hazardous material teams.
Emergency Response and Casualty Details
According to Greenwich councillor David Gardner, who posted updates on social media, more than 40 staff members were affected by the suspected leak. He initially reported that 35 people were being treated, but later clarified that no customers were involved.
Gardner confirmed that six staff members were taken to hospital for tests and monitoring. Reassuringly, he stated that none of the injuries are believed to be life-threatening. The London Ambulance Service dispatched significant resources to Gallions Road after receiving the call at 9.32am on 16 December.
A Strategic Commander for the service said: "We have sent a number of resources to the scene, including both conventional ambulance resources, specialist assets such as our Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) and Advanced Paramedic Practitioners."
Store Closure and Investigation
The store has been temporarily closed while an investigation into the cause of the incident is carried out. Councillor Gardner indicated that the closure could last for several days to ensure the leak is fully rectified and safety is assured.
An M&S spokesperson said: "Our Charlton store is temporarily closed as we’re investigating the incident that happened earlier this morning." The company is cooperating with the relevant authorities to understand the source of the suspected carbon monoxide release.
What Happens Next?
The focus now is on the welfare of the affected staff and a thorough technical investigation. Key next steps include:
- Completing medical assessments of all staff involved.
- Conducting a full safety inspection of the store's premises and systems.
- Identifying and fixing the source of the suspected leak before any reopening.
Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas that can cause serious illness or death. Incidents like this highlight the critical importance of working carbon monoxide detectors in commercial buildings.
