By CIARAN FOREMAN, REPORTER Published: 18:30 BST, 27 September 2025 | Updated: 20:14 BST, 27 September 2025
A man has died after a suspected carbon monoxide poisoning at a food takeaway shop - with seven injured including emergency service workers.West Midlands Police rushed to the premises on Cresswell Crescent in Bloxwich, Walsall, at around 9.40pm on Friday after receiving reports of concern for the welfare of a man in his 50s.Tragically the man was pronounced dead at the scene while seven others - including emergency workers - received treatment for seemingly inhaling the gas.Such was the level of concern that some of those affected were taken to hospital where they are being assessed.After descending on the street, police are understood to have evacuated locals in the surrounding properties and cordoned off the area. Cara Jackson, 23, who was working at the neighbouring One Stop convenience store and who lives nearby, told the PA news agency how medics tried to save the life of the man using CPR.She said: 'There were three ambulances, four cop cars, a fire engine and the forensics obviously came after.'I did see them doing CPR. I did see everything that happened. I've scarred a little. I don't really feel the best today because obviously I breathed it all in." Sharing an image on social media, Councillor Michael Coulson said the incident took place at a food takeaway shopShe and her colleague were evacuated from shop while tests were performed, as she added: 'I didn't really sleep last night.'I wasn't like scared to sleep but the fire brigade told us we're lucky because if we went to sleep last night we wouldn't have woke back up.'Among the seven people treated were unspecified emergency service workers. Some of the seven were taken to hospital, police said.The people who were evacuated from surrounding properties were able to return in the early hours of Saturday following tests.Sharing an image of police tape between Mossley Chemist and the One Stop convenience shop, local councillor Michael Coulson said the incident took place at a takeaway premises.He also said firefighters were unable to access an injured person within a property due to a generator 'releasing a mixture of gases'.Cllr Coulson said in an update today: 'I have just been down to see for myself the scene of last night's tragic fatality.'After tests were completed residents were allowed back in their homes at roughly 3am, and the shops are back open this morning. There is now a very small police presence and I thanked them for their support. 'I had done two litter picks around the shops in the last few days, including one completed just after 7pm last night, and I briefly spoke to those setting up the takeaway on both occasions. It's so incredibly tragic what has happened.'A police spokesperson said: 'Our thoughts are with (the man's) loved ones at this devastating time.'Seven other people - including emergency service workers - were treated at the scene for the suspected effects of carbon monoxide poisoning.'Some were taken to hospital for further assessment.'
