'Major incident' at UK care home leaves three people dead and four in hospital

A 'tragic incident' at a Dorset care home has left three people dead and four others in hospital. Emergency services rushed to the scene this morning.

Police officers were carrying out enquiries to establish what led to the deaths. The families of the victims have been notified and the coroner informed, reports MirrorOnline.

A councillor earlier claimed the incident could have been 'attributed to carbon monoxide' but that had not been proven. Staff members were seen hugging and crying outside Gainsborough Care Home in Swanage, witnesses claimed.

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Dorset Police said the deaths were being treated as 'unexplained' with an investigation under way. South Western Ambulance Service said it was called to the scene at 5.20am today, Wednesday, October 23, while Dorset Police was called at 7.16am.

Ten double-crewed ambulances, a hazard response team and "a significant number of additional resources" were sent to the scene, the ambulance service said. The spokesperson added: "Two patients were conveyed by land ambulance to Poole Hospital."

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: "Dorset Police received a report at 7.16am on Wednesday 23 October 2024 in relation to three people who had been found deceased at a care home in Ulwell Road in Swanage. Enquiries are being carried out to establish the full circumstances and we are continuing to liaise with our partner agencies. The families of those who have died have been informed and the coroner has been notified.

"The deaths are currently being treated as unexplained and an investigation has been launched. Four other people have been taken to hospital as a precaution and other residents of the address have been evacuated to a safe location as emergency services respond to the incident.

"There remains a significant multi-agency presence in place at the address and a cordon remains in place as we work with partners to carry out further enquiries. At this time there is nothing to indicate any risk to the wider public. We understand this incident will have a significant impact on the Swanage community and our thoughts are very much with the families of those who have sadly died at this extremely difficult time."

Coun Gary Suttle earlier confirmed the deaths and added there was a “suspicion” that “this could be attributable to carbon monoxide but it has not been proven”. Witnesses said staff members at the home were seen outside the building hugging each other and crying.