Five people hospitalized due to toxic gas - Five hospitalized after suspected carbon monoxide leak in Ludwigsburg apartment

Five people in Ludwigsburg were rushed to hospital after exposure to toxic gas, believed to be carbon monoxide. The incident is suspected to have been caused by a faulty chimney system in their apartment.

The victims—a 25-year-old woman, a 46-year-old man, and three children aged three to nine—were taken to hospital for treatment. Firefighters arrived at the scene and ventilated the apartment to clear the dangerous fumes.

Carbon monoxide is particularly hazardous because it has no smell, making leaks hard to notice. Authorities suspect the gas built up due to a defective chimney installation.

In Germany, cases of suspected carbon monoxide poisoning from faulty chimneys usually trigger an official investigation within 24 to 48 hours. The relevant authorities—such as the regulatory office, trade supervision, or chimney sweep services—will examine the cause, though timelines can vary by state and urgency.

The incident has prompted an investigation into the chimney's condition. Officials will determine whether maintenance failures or structural defects led to the gas leak. Carbon monoxide detectors are often recommended in homes to prevent such dangers.