Three people dead after care home incident in Swanage

Residents were evacuated from Gainsborough Care Home in Ulwell Road on the morning of Wednesday, October 23.

Ten ambulances, a hazardous area response team and around six fire crews attended the scene along with police.

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Dorset Police have now confirmed that three people were found dead in the care home, with four others having been taken to hospital as a precaution.

Swanage ward councillor, Gary Suttle, said there are suspicions of carbon monoxide being involved but that this has not been confirmed.

A spokesperson 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.

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“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.”

Pictures from the care home in Swanage today (Image: Newsquest) Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service group manager Neil Tidball said: "We currently have four fire crews on scene from Swanage, Wareham, Westbourne, Poole, a support vehicle from Dorchester, along with two crews from Winchester.

"Firefighters are working with Dorset Police, South West Ambulance Service and other partners to resolve this incident."

Gat network company SGN were also at the scene with a spokesperson adding that engineers were currently unable to access the building due to safety checks.

I’d say this is one of, if not the, biggest emergency response I’ve seen.

Very sombre feeling, care home staff outside in tears and comforting one another.

Volunteers helping out in the nearby All Saints church.

We’re still waiting on condition updates @Bournemouthecho pic.twitter.com/ueMxKJpQWv

— Matt Simpson (@MattSimpsonEcho) October 23, 2024

Katie Lobban, spokesperson for gas network company SGN said: "We were called to Gainsborough Care Home in Swanage earlier today in our capacity as the National Gas Emergency Service for the south of England.

"Our engineers are waiting for access to the building to complete safety checks.

"Our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected by this tragic incident."

South Dorset MP, Lloyd Hatton said: “I am deeply saddened by the serious incident that has taken place at a care home in Swanage today - where three people have passed away.

"My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and loved ones of those who have sadly passed.

"I would like to extend my thanks to all of the emergency services for their rapid response.

"If you are in the area, please follow all directions issued by the emergency services.”