Three people dead following ‘tragic incident’ at Dorset care home

An investigation has been launched

Three people have died following a “tragic incident” at a care home in Dorset.

Police, fire and ambulance crews were called to Gainsborough Care Home in Swanage on Wednesday morning following an incident.

Southern Gas Networks were also at the scene, with engineers in attendance, the BBC reports.

In a statement on Wednesday afternoon, Dorset Police confirmed three people had been found dead at the home.

The force said officers had been called at about 07:15 BST after three people were “found deceased” at the care home on Ulwell Road.

A spokesperson said the deaths were being treated as “unexplained” and an investigation had been launched.

“Inquiries are being carried out to establish the full circumstances and we are continuing to liaise with our partner agencies,” they continued.

“The families of those who have died have been informed and the coroner has been notified. The deaths are currently being treated as unexplained and an investigation has been launched.

Four other people were taken to hospital “as a precaution” and other residents of the home have been evacuated to the nearby All Saints Church.

The statement continued: “There remains a significant multi-agency presence in place at the address and a cordon remains in place as we work with partners to carry out further enquiries. At this time there is nothing to indicate any risk to the wider public.

“We understand this incident will have a significant impact on the Swanage community and our thoughts are very much with the families of those who have sadly died at this extremely difficult time.”

A number of emergency vehicles could be seen outside the home, with ten ambulances sent to the scene, whilst a spokesperson for SGN confirmed engineers had attended the scene as well.

A spokesperson for the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) said: “We were called at 05:20hrs on Wednesday 23 October to an incident at a care home in Swanage.

“We sent a Hazardous Area Response Team, ten double-crewed land ambulances, as well as a significant number of additional resources.

“Two patients were conveyed by land ambulance to Poole Hospital.”

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service said it had been called to the scene at 07:47.

Dorset councillor Gary Suttle said the incident was a “tragic event,” adding: “Our condolences and sympathy are with those who have lost their lives.”

He said the other residents of the 48-bedroom home were “safe” and would be moved from the church to other placements.