In the small town of Castilblanco de los Arroyos, in the province of Sevilla, one family’s night turned into a real nightmare. Suddenly, alarming symptoms struck the household, where parents and their two children lived: the youngest, only 12 years old, unexpectedly lost consciousness. At first, the family didn’t understand what was happening, but they quickly reacted and called emergency services. That decision, without exaggeration, saved their lives.
By the time medics, firefighters, and police arrived, the situation was already critical. There was a strange smell in the house, and all family members complained of dizziness and weakness. The specialists immediately suspected carbon monoxide poisoning—a silent and deadly danger that spares no one. The family was urgently evacuated and taken to Virgen Macarena hospital in Sevilla.
The cause of the incident
It was later revealed that an ordinary household heater was to blame—an old coal brasero standing in the living room. That night, it was left on longer than usual, and the house was poorly ventilated. As a result, dangerous gas built up. Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, making it almost impossible to detect in time without special devices. In this case, only the parents’ quick response and one child’s accidental awakening helped avert a tragedy.
According to doctors, the family was admitted to the hospital in serious but stable condition. The youngest child was especially affected, having been the first to experience symptoms. Medical professionals emphasize that in such cases, every minute counts: any delay can be fatal.
Emergency response
Emergency services responded promptly. The call came in around 1:30 a.m., and within minutes all the necessary specialists were on site. Firefighters measured the air and confirmed a dangerously high level of carbon monoxide. Police cordoned off the house to prevent harm to neighbors, while medics administered first aid at the scene before transporting all four family members to the hospital.
In situations like this, it is crucial not only to call for help quickly but also to know basic safety rules. In Spain, despite the mild climate, many families still use old heaters without considering the risks. This incident serves as another reminder that even familiar household devices can pose a deadly threat.
The danger of carbon monoxide
Carbon monoxide is one of the most insidious household hazards. It is odorless and does not irritate mucous membranes, yet it quickly enters the bloodstream and blocks oxygen from reaching the organs. Early symptoms include headache, nausea, weakness, and confusion. If signs of poisoning are not recognized in time, a person may lose consciousness and die in their sleep.
Doctors stress that at the slightest suspicion of poisoning, you should immediately leave the premises and call emergency services. Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable. In this case, it was the child who first sensed something was wrong, and this may have saved the entire family.
Safety Concerns
Following the incident, local authorities once again reminded residents of the importance of regularly checking heating devices and ventilation systems. In recent years, Andalusia has seen a rise in such incidents, especially during winter. Many families try to save on heating by using old appliances without considering the potential consequences.
This incident in Castilblanco de los Arroyos is a stark warning for anyone who still neglects basic safety rules. Sometimes, just one night is enough to put your normal life at risk. Sadly, not all such cases end as well as this one.
