Residents evacuated from flats following suspected 'carbon monoxide' incident

Residents of an apartment building in Cardiff were evacuated on Thursday, August 29, after a suspected gas incident.

Around 60 residents were evacuated from Bay Chambers in West Bute Street, Butetown at around 10:18pm on Thursday evening.

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service were called to the premises after a number of residents had reported feeling unwell, symptomatic of carbon monoxide poisoning, and had been removed to the University Hospital of Wales for further tests.

Four fire engines were brought to the scene, alongside several specialist officers and specialist appliances.

The emergency service said crews at the scene used detection, identification and monitoring equipment to try to establish the origin and cause of any suspected hazardous gas escape.

However, they were unable to detect any hazardous materials after extensive atmospheric monitoring.

Public Health officials say they are investigating the cause of the symptoms reported by members of the Cardiff Bay building as air quality tests have ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning.

They confirmed that five people were taken to hospital by the Welsh Ambulance Service. It comes after 16 residents of Bay Chambers reported nausea and headaches. One individual remained in hospital overnight for observation. Tests are currently being carried out to try to determine the cause of the illness.

According to the fire service, approximately 60 residents were evacuated from the building as a precaution, and a rest centre was established at the Coal Exchange.

They added that multi-agency briefings were held at scene and a tactical coordination group was established to allow its partners from South Wales Fire Service, South Wales Police, Cardiff Council, Public Health Wales, Welsh Ambulance Service Trust, Welsh Water and other agencies to discuss "tactical priorities" in an attempt to allow the incident to be managed "successfully" with a view to returning to a normal state "as soon as possible".The fire service confirmed that all residents were allowed to return to their properties. Further investigations into the incident are currently ongoing.

Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water have agreed to issue ‘Do Not Drink’ advice to the affected block of flats as a precaution whilst investigations continue. Public Health Wales said residents have been provided with bottled water.

Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To know...