Carbon monoxide leak in Hastings leads to flats being evacuated
Seven people ended up in hospital
Emergency services evacuated residents in Hastings after a carbon monoxide (CO) leak was identified in Robertson Terrace yesterday (December 2nd 2025).
Firefighters from East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service arrived at 6.47pm and found high levels of CO coming from a diesel generator at a commercial premises, which was affecting neighbouring residential flats. The occupants of the flats were evacuated for safety.
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said: "Crews liaised with Southern Gas Networks, identifying high levels of CO coming from a diesel generator at a commercial premises, affecting surrounding residential flats. All occupants were evacuated."
They added that "Firefighters used breathing apparatus and gas monitors during the incident, isolating the generator and ventilating the premises."
A significant number of individuals displayed symptoms of CO exposure and required medical assessment. South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) was called shortly before 7pm to the scene, where 16 patients were assessed and treated. Seven of those patients were then transported to hospital for further checks.
South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) said: "Ambulance crews attended the scene and a total of 16 patients were assessed and treated at the scene before seven patients were taken to hospital for further checks."
The A259 Seafront access was closed by police to allow emergency services to respond to the situation.
Helena Dollimore MP, Member of Parliament for Hastings, Rye and the villages said:
"I want to thank all the emergency services for all their work overnight responding to this serious incident, and my thoughts are with all the residents affected. There will now be a full investigation into how this happened and any lessons must be learned. I would urge anyone reading this to check they have a carbon monoxide alarm fitted at home; this invisible gas can be a silent killer without one."