Carbon monoxide poisoning kills couple at Hampshire festival after gas heater used inside camper van
Published on 07/22/2026 at 19:28 | Redaktion boerse-global.de
A coroner has issued a stark warning about the dangers of portable gas heaters after a couple died from carbon monoxide poisoning while sleeping in their camper van at a Hampshire festival. Christopher Coll, 45, and Kayleigh Coll, 38, were found dead on October 12, 2025, at the Craft Cider Festival in Burley, New Forest, after failing to emerge from their vehicle. An inquest concluded on July 22, 2026, recorded a verdict of misadventure.
The deaths highlight a critical and often overlooked workplace-safety issue for event organisers and employers who provide or permit the use of temporary accommodation, such as camper vans, caravans, or tents. Portable gas appliances intended for outdoor use can become lethal when operated in enclosed spaces.
The tragic outcome of using a gas appliance in an enclosed space underscores why every workplace needs a thorough risk assessment. A free toolkit provides 41 ready-to-use templates and checklists to help you document hazards and keep your team safe. Download the free Risk Assessment Toolkit
Deadly combination: outdoor heater used indoors
Evidence presented at the inquest revealed that the couple had used a parabolic gas heater inside the camper van overnight. Technical experts, including a representative from Flogas, confirmed that the specific model was designed strictly for outdoor use and should never have been operated in a confined indoor environment.
The investigation also identified mechanical failures with the setup. The heater, which cost approximately £30, was found to be insecurely attached to the gas cylinder. This poor connection caused a gas leak, leading to a fatal build-up of carbon monoxide. When the equipment was examined after the tragedy, roughly 10% of the gas remained in the cylinder.
Coroner to review safety warnings
Coroner Rosamund Rhodes-Kemp indicated she would contact the manufacturer to discuss the safety warnings provided with the heater. She raised concerns about whether the warnings against indoor use were sufficiently prominent to alert consumers to the lethal risks of carbon monoxide poisoning in enclosed spaces.
The case underscores the importance of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations and the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, which require employers and event organisers to assess risks from carbon monoxide exposure and ensure that gas appliances are used safely. Portable gas equipment should never be used inside tents, caravans, camper vans, or other enclosed areas without adequate ventilation.
Carbon monoxide is a hazardous substance that can turn deadly in seconds. A free COSHH toolkit provides 43 customisable templates and checklists to help you assess risks from dangerous substances and meet your legal duties. Get the free COSHH Toolkit
Community rallies after tragedy
The couple are survived by their four children. In the wake of the incident, a crowdfunding initiative raised more than £33,000 to provide financial support for the family. The inquest's findings reinforce the ongoing need for public awareness about the dangers of using outdoor gas appliances in enclosed spaces — a message that resonates strongly for anyone involved in organising events, festivals, or temporary accommodation for workers or attendees.
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