3 people die at elderly care home in UK, prompting emergency services to launch probe

By Aysu Bicer

LONDON (AA) – Three people have died at an elderly care home in the English coastal town of Swanage, with emergency services continuing to investigate the cause of the fatalities.

According to British media, Dorset Police were alerted to the incident at Gainsborough Care Home early Tuesday morning, and the deaths are currently being treated as unexplained.

Reports suggest that carbon monoxide poisoning could be a potential factor, although this has not yet been confirmed.

Four other people have been taken to the hospital as a precaution, and the care home has been fully evacuated as a multi-agency investigation is underway.

Local councilor Gary Suttle expressed deep sympathy, describing the event as "tragic" and offering condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.

He also commended the swift response of the Swanage community, who brought blankets and support to the church hall where the evacuated residents, some in wheelchairs, were taken.

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said there is currently no threat to the general public.

Southern Gas Network confirmed that it responded to the incident as the region's gas emergency service.

Engineers are waiting for access to the building to conduct safety checks.

Gainsborough Care Home, which is managed by Agincare, has yet to issue a statement regarding the incident.

Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the deaths.

Emergency services remain on-site, and a cordon has been placed around the property as authorities work to establish the full circumstances of the event.