Nine people taken to hospital following suspected carbon monoxide leak in Smethwick

Nine people have been hospitalised after a suspected carbon monoxide leak at a building in Smethwick.

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Emergency services responded to the incident on Firs Lane, Smethwick at around 6.30pm on Sunday following reports of residents feeling unwell from 'breathing in fumes'.

The fumes are said to have affected the residents of a row of five houses.

West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) sent HART paramedics, two paramedic officers and three ambulances to the scene where they assessed a number of people.

Emergency services responded to an incident on Firs Lane, Smethwick at around 6.30pm on Sunday following reports of residents feeling unwell from 'breathing in fumes'.The fumes are said to have affected the residents of a row of five houses.

Nine of them were taken to hospital with potential carbon monoxide poisoning.

Windows were left wide open to air the rooms out.

West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) also responded, sending three fire engines to the scene. Firefighters wore breathing apparatus.

A spokesperson for WMAS said: "We were called to Firs Lane, Smethwick at 6.24pm last night (Sunday, March 16) to reports of residents feeling unwell from breathing in fumes in a building. HART paramedics, two paramedic officers and three ambulances were sent to the scene. The team of ambulance staff worked rapidly to assess a number of residents at the scene. Of those assessed, nine patients were taken to hospital for further treatment for potential carbon monoxide poisoning."

A WMFS spokesperson said: "At 6.27pm on March 16, we were called to Firs Lane, Smethwick. Three fire engines responded. This was a suspected carbon monoxide leak, affecting residents of a row of five houses. Nine people were taken to hospital by ambulance. Firefighters wore breathing apparatus to conduct a thorough check of the premises. One man was rescued, and another was led to safety. Before leaving the scene, we used specialist equipment to ensure the premises were clear of any gases or fumes."

The fumes are said to have affected the residents of a row of five houses.

A West Midlands Police spokesperson added that the force is working with the health and safety executive.

A statement read: "We were called by paramedics to Firs Lane at around 6.30pm yesterday following a suspected carbon monoxide leak. We are liaising with West Midlands Ambulance Service; West Midlands Fire Service and the Health & Safety Executive and enquiries continue."