Neighbours saved by poison-gas alarms

THE fire service has issued a stark warning after two women were rushed to hospital in a poison-gas incident.

Homes were evacuated in Moray Road, Chadderton on Friday evening after a carbon-monoxide alarm activated in the home of great-grandmother Patricia Asprey.

Mrs Asprey and a 24-year-old neighbour were taken to hospital for treatment for carbon-monoxide poisoning. Other residents also reported feeling unwell and were checked by paramedics.

Fire crews from Chadderton, Hollins and Oldham were called and five homes evacuated as an engineer isolated the gas supply.

Fire Service spokesman Tony Bryan said the alarm had saved the woman’s life: “Carbon monoxide has no smell, no taste and you can’t see it. It could be killing you and you would never know until it’s too late.

“A carbon-monoxide alarm saved this woman’s life and could have saved the lives of people living nearby. These alarms are as valuable as smoke alarms.

An investigation is underway to find the source of the gas. Carbon monoxide is released when hydrocarbons such as gas, oil or even wood don’t burn fully because there is insufficient air. The majority of cases are caused by faulty heaters and cookers.