A man, aged in his 50s, tragically died and seven other people were treated by medics following a suspected carbon monoxide poisoning at a takeaway restaurant in Bloxwich
A neighbour has told how she is lucky to be alive after a suspected carbon monoxide poisoning at a takeaway restaurant led to a man dying.
The man in his 50s lost his life and seven others were treated by medics after a possible carbon monoxide leak in Bloxwich, Walsall, on Friday, West Midlands Police said. Locals were evacuated from nearby houses and shops after emergency services were called to the takeaway in Cresswell Crescent at around 9.40pm.
Cara Jackson, 23, who was working at the neighbouring One Stop convenience store and who lives nearby, said: “I didn’t really sleep last night.” She continued: “I wasn’t like scared to sleep but… the fire brigade told us we’re lucky because if we went to sleep last night we wouldn’t have woke back up.”
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She told how medics tried to save the life of the man using CPR while later she and her colleague were evacuated from the shop for tests to be performed.
“There were three ambulances, four cop cars, a fire engine and the forensics obviously came after. I did see them doing CPR… I did see everything that happened. I’ve scared a little. I don’t really feel the best today because obviously I breathed it all in,” said Cara.
Among the seven people treated were unspecified emergency service workers. Some of the seven were taken to hospital, police said. The people who were evacuated from surrounding properties were able to return in the early hours of Saturday following tests.
Local ward councillor Michael Coulson wrote on Facebook that the fire service was called out because an injured person needed assistance but firefighters were unable to access the property because a generator was “releasing a mixture of gases”.
On Saturday, he posted in an update: “After tests were completed residents were allowed back in their homes at roughly 3am, and the shops are back open this morning. There is now a very small police presence and I thanked them for their support.
“I had done two litter picks around the shops in the last few days, including one completed just after 7pm last night, and I briefly spoke to those setting up the takeaway on both occasions. It’s so incredibly tragic what has happened.”
A spokesperson for West Midlands Police said: “We attended business premises in Cresswell Crescent, Bloxwich, at around 9.40pm yesterday (26 September) following concerns for the welfare of a man.
“Other emergency services were also in attendance and a man in his 50s was sadly confirmed dead at the scene. Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this devastating time.
“Seven other people – including emergency service workers – were treated at the scene for the suspected effects of carbon monoxide poisoning. Some were taken to hospital for further assessment.
“A small number of nearby properties were temporarily evacuated but occupants have since been able to return. We will work with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to help establish the full circumstances.”
