More than 100 people were left sick after a carbon monoxide build-up at an ice rink in Western New York on Wednesday.
Officials from the Cheektowaga Police Department (CPD) and Fork Fire Department (FFD) arrived at the Holiday Twin Rinks around 6:33 p.m. after receiving reports of “a strange smell and children presenting with carbon monoxide exposure symptoms,” according to a statement from the CPD.
“Forks arrived on the scene, confirmed that the carbon monoxide levels were extremely high, and immediately evacuated the building,” the CPD said. “Numerous ambulances responded to evaluate and transport patients to surrounding hospitals.”
Altogether 111 people reportedly sought medical treatment at various hospitals in the area. Kaleida Health confirmed that 13 patients had been treated at DeGraff Medical Park, Buffalo General Medical Center, and Millard Filmore Suburban Hospital, according to WIVB News.
Jay Calabrese, the team manager and coach of the Amherst Red Knights, described his team of 8-year-old players feeling unwell after their 2 p.m. game, according to The Buffalo News.
Calabrese explained he and his son, along with several parents and other children, went out to eat between the time their first game ended and their second game at 5:45 p.m. was supposed to begin. Other parents reportedly took their children home.
While away from the rink, the children showed signs of feeling better. However, upon returning to the rink, the players showed signs of not feeling well. The game was eventually brought to an end as players from the opposing team reportedly began to vomit.
As first responders were arriving at the Holiday Twin Rinks, Calabrese and his team realized something was wrong.
“That’s when you start to say, ‘Holy smokes. Something’s going on here,'” Calabrese told the outlet.
The gas smell was discovered to have come from “faulty heating equipment inside and owned by the facility,” according to National Fuel.
“National Fuel was called to Holiday Twin Rinks last night after numerous complaints from guests about not feeling well,” the company said in its statement on Thursday. “Upon investigation, we confirmed that the carbon monoxide levels were high and evacuation was necessary. The situation was quickly made safe and onsite technicians immediately began investigating the rink’s appliances to determine what caused the carbon monoxide build up.”
A spokesperson for National Fuel informed the outlet that the carbon monoxide levels at the ice rink had been at 4,000 parts per million.
Exposure to carbon monoxide levels at 1,600 parts per million after 20 minutes of exposure can lead to headache, nausea, and dizziness. Meanwhile, exposure to carbon monoxide levels of 3,200 parts per million after five to 10 minutes can lead to headaches, nausea, and dizziness. After more than 30 minutes of exposure at this level, people can experience unconsciousness, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
The owner of the ice rink will need to “make appropriate repairs” and address the faulty equipment, according to National Fuel.
