From those treated for chemical inhalation, 11 people were taken to hospital today (December 16) after the incident was called at 9.30am.
According to the London Fire Brigade, the chemical in question is suspected to be carbon monoxide.
Around 35 people were evacuated from the store during the incident and while an investigation takes place, the M&S store is temporarily closed.
A Marks & Spencer spokesperson said: “Our Charlton store is temporarily closed as we investigate an incident that happened earlier this morning, we hope to reopen as soon as possible.”
Hours later, 19 of the patients treated have been discharged at the scene.
The condition of those in hospital is unknown at this time.
However it’s understood that this is not being treated as a major incident by emergency services, despite the big presence from ambulances, firefighters and police.
Fire crews have carried out further sweeps to check for no elevated readings. They have also completed a ventilation of the building.
James Johnson, Strategic Commander for the London Ambulance Service, said: “We were called at 9.32am today (16 December) to reports of a suspected carbon monoxide incident on Gallions Road, Charlton.
“We sent a number of resources to the scene including ambulance crews, incident response officers, paramedics in fast response cars, advanced paramedics and paramedics from our hazardous area response team (HART).
“We treated 30 people for chemical inhalation. We took 11 patients to hospital and discharged 19 patients at the scene.”
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “Firefighters were called at 0835 today (16 December) to a suspected carbon monoxide leak at a shop on Gallions Road in Charlton.
“Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus have used specialist equipment to carry out a systematic sweep of the building and found elevated readings of carbon monoxide.
“Crews have carried out further sweeps to check for no elevated readings. They have also completed a ventilation of the building.
“Around 35 people left the building before firefighters arrived and crews have assisted colleagues from the London Ambulance Service to treat a number of patients at the scene.
“Two fire engines and two fire rescue units were sent to the scene.”
