6 people taken to hospital after high levels of carbon monoxide detected

Several construction workers were sent to hospital Monday due to a carbon monoxide leak at a local community centre. CTV London’s Reta Ismail reports.

Six construction workers were taken to hospital Monday morning following a suspected carbon monoxide (CO) leak at the Boyle Community Centre on Charlotte Street in London.

Emergency crews responded to the call shortly after 9:30 a.m.

London Fire, EMS, and police arrived to find dangerously elevated levels of carbon monoxide inside the building.

“Crews arrived on scene alongside EMS and police to find elevated levels of CO in the building. Six individuals were assessed and transported to hospital with symptoms consistent with carbon monoxide exposure,” said Platoon Chief Brent Shea of the London Fire Department.

All six individuals were part of a construction crew working on floor upgrades inside the closed facility.

According to London Fire, CO levels inside the building reached 835 parts per million (ppm) — a concentration considered extremely hazardous. Exposure at that level can cause symptoms such as headaches, nausea, dizziness, and even loss of consciousness.

Of the six patients, two were transported with symptoms of CO exposure, while the remaining four were taken to hospital as a precaution. London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) confirmed that a Code Orange Alert was briefly activated in response.

“In response to an external incident that had the potential to result in many patients requiring care, a Code Orange Alert was briefly activated,” LHSC said in a statement. “We are always prepared to manage sudden increases in patient volume, with comprehensive protocols in place to ensure a coordinated and effective response.”

London Fire used positive pressure ventilation to clear the building, and CO monitors were deployed to confirm safe air quality levels throughout the facility.

Chief Shea reminded the public of the importance of having working carbon monoxide detectors at home and ensuring proper ventilation when using fuel-burning equipment indoors.

The community centre was closed for renovations at the time, and no city staff were inside. The Ontario Ministry of Labour is now investigating the incident.

“We appreciate the swift response by emergency personnel at Boyle Community Centre [Monday] morning. The gymnasium is secured and will remain closed until further notice to allow for further investigation by the Ministry of Labour, and construction work to repair and replace the gymnasium floor. The renovation project was originally scheduled to take three weeks; however, work will be delayed by the investigation into this incident. We are grateful everyone is safe,” wrote Jon-Paul McGonigle, director, Recreation and Sport, in a statement to CTV News.