In Almansa, a small town in the province of Albacete, a family’s night turned into a real ordeal. Eight people, including three minors, were hospitalized from a home on Buen Suceso street after carbon monoxide from a faulty boiler filled the premises. The victims included men and women of various ages, from young children to adults.
The alarm sounded in the dead of night, when most of the town was still asleep. At 3:30 a.m., emergency services received a call: one of the residents was suddenly feeling unwell, dizzy, and weak. In such cases, every minute counts, as carbon monoxide is odorless and can be deadly even after short exposure.
Rescue operation
All necessary services arrived swiftly at the scene: members of the Guardia Civil, local police, firefighters from the Almansa station, as well as two ambulances and an intensive care team. Their mission was clear — evacuate everyone and prevent a full-scale tragedy.
The victims, including men aged 41 and 37, boys aged 10 and 4, women aged 36, 30, and 25, and a 13-year-old girl, were urgently taken to the city hospital. Doctors immediately began treating them, as carbon monoxide poisoning can have severe consequences, especially for children and the elderly.
Causes and aftermath
The incident was caused by a simple yet dangerous mistake — improper operation of a home boiler. In these cases, combustion gases don’t vent outside but accumulate indoors. Carbon monoxide quickly enters the bloodstream, blocking oxygen from reaching vital organs. Symptoms such as headache, nausea, and confusion can appear suddenly and may lead to loss of consciousness.
Such incidents are rare in Almansa, but every case serves as a stark warning for anyone who uses gas appliances. Inspecting and maintaining boilers, exhaust systems, and ventilation is not just a formality, but a matter of life and death — especially in the colder months when heating works at full capacity.
City’s response
Residents of Almansa were shaken by the news. Many discussed the incident on social media and in the streets, sharing stories of their own experiences with faulty equipment. Doctors remind everyone: at the first signs of illness — especially if you have gas appliances at home — ventilate the area immediately and call emergency services.
This time a tragedy was avoided, but the situation could have ended much worse. Household gas safety is once again in the spotlight. City authorities have promised to tighten checks on heating systems in residential buildings, while experts advise against cutting corners when it comes to annual equipment inspections.
Key lessons learned
This incident in Almansa serves as a reminder that even everyday household appliances can be dangerous. Carbon monoxide does not forgive negligence. Anyone who uses gas boilers should remember: prevention and timely maintenance are the best protection for the entire family.
The victims are currently under medical supervision. Their lives are not in danger, but the effects of poisoning may not appear immediately. Doctors continue to monitor their condition, while local residents are drawing conclusions and discussing how to safeguard their homes from similar incidents.
