A MAN in his 50s has died and six others rushed to hospital after a “gas leak” at a takeaway shop.
Police raced to the scene in Bloxwich, West Midlands, on Friday evening following concerns for a man’s welfare.
A man has died and seven others rushed to hospital following a suspected gas leakCllr Michael Coulson
Police and other emergency crews arrived at Cresswell Crescent where a man in his 50s was sadly confirmed dead, West Midlands Police said.
Seven others, including emergency service workers, were also treated for suspected carbon monoxide poisoning.
Several were rushed to hospital for further tests.
A number of properties in the area were also forced to evacuate but residents were allowed to return in the early hours of Saturday following tests, according to a local councillor.
A spokesperson for West Midlands Police said: “We attended business premises in Cresswell Crescent, Bloxwich, at around 9.40pm yesterday 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.”
Councillor Michael Coulson said on social media that the incident took place at a food takeaway shop at Mossley shops.
He said the fire service were 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: “I have just been down to see for myself the scene of last night’s tragic fatality.
“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.”
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