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🇧🇪 Belgium /Health & Science

Woman hospitalized with CO poisoning in Brussels due to faulty boiler connection

From VRT NWS · () Dutch

Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • A woman in Sint-Jans-Molenbeek, Brussels, was hospitalized after suffering carbon monoxide poisoning due to a faulty gas boiler connection.
  • The incident occurred when combustion gases spread into the home because a flue pipe was not properly connected to the boiler.
  • Fire officials emphasized the importance of regular maintenance for heating systems, proper ventilation, and installing CO detectors.

In Sint-Jans-Molenbeek, Brussels, a woman in her 60s or 70s was fortunate to escape a life-threatening situation after suffering carbon monoxide poisoning. The incident, which occurred Tuesday afternoon, highlights a persistent danger lurking in many homes: improperly maintained heating systems. The Brussels fire department responded swiftly to a call about an unwell resident, only to find their carbon monoxide detectors blaring.

The victim was immediately evacuated and assistance was requested from the fire department and a MUG team.

— Walter DerieuwBrussels fire department spokesperson Walter Derieuw describing the immediate response to the incident.

Fire department spokesperson Walter Derieuw stressed that while the victim had an underlying health condition, the CO poisoning was a direct result of a disconnected flue pipe from a gas boiler, allowing dangerous combustion gases to fill the residence. Fortunately, the woman was transported to the hospital and is not in critical condition. This event serves as a stark reminder for all residents to prioritize safety.

The woman, between 60 and 70 years old, had an underlying condition, but had also suffered CO poisoning.

— Walter DerieuwBrussels fire department spokesperson Walter Derieuw detailing the victim's condition.

Derieuw reiterated crucial preventative measures: regular maintenance of heating installations by certified technicians, mandatory checks every two years for gas systems and annually for oil systems, ensuring proper ventilation, never blocking vents, and installing CO detectors. He also advised immediate evacuation and calling emergency services if experiencing symptoms like headache, nausea, or dizziness. This incident underscores the vital role of vigilance and adherence to safety protocols in preventing such potentially fatal accidents.

The cause of the poisoning was a discharge pipe that was not connected to the gas boiler, causing the combustion gases to spread into the home.

— Walter DerieuwBrussels fire department spokesperson Walter Derieuw explaining the cause of the CO poisoning.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by VRT NWS in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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