The partner of an AFL star was among dozens of top ice hockey players hospitalised with carbon monoxide poisoning after a leak at an ice rink.
Neila Brenning, the partner of Western Bulldogs AFL player Marcus Bontempelli was among almost 40 patients who fell ill after attending Ice Arena in Thebarton on Saturday.
Most of the victims had either attended or played in an Australian Women’s Ice Hockey league game between Melbourne Ice and home side Adelaide Rush at the arena on Saturday afternoon.
The rink was also used by the public prior to the match.
Fire crews were called to the scene later in the night, where they detected ‘high levels’ of carbon monoxide in atmospheric testing and had to use hire pressure fans and ventilation to clear it.
Brenning, who plays for the visiting team snapped a selfie of herself in a wheelchair at Adelaide Airport on Sunday/
The venue has since revealed that a fault in the zamboni – a machine used to smooth the ice before play – was responsible for the leak.
Most of the victims had attended or played in an Australian Women’s Ice Hockey league game between Melbourne Ice and home-side Adelaide Rush (pictured) at the Thebarton arena on Saturday afternoon when they were rushed to hospital
Fire crews (pictured) were called around the ice rink where they detected carbon monoxide and used hire pressure fans and ventilation to clear it
‘There was some carbon monoxide discovered and it seems to be coming from the Zamboni,’ manager Richard Laidlaw told The Advertiser.
‘That machine is immediately out of service but we have a backup machine.’
The zamboni has since been taken out of service.
The ice rink was closed on Sunday but is expected to reopen on Monday.
It’s understood players from both teams began falling ill mid-match.
‘During the game, which began at 4:45pm local time, many players from the Melbourne Ice and Rush teams became unwell,’ a spokesperson for Ice Hockey Australia said.
‘Players from both teams were taken to Royal Adelaide Hospital showing symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.’
‘Our thoughts are with all of those impacted. We wish all those affected a speedy recovery.
‘We understand authorities are working with the venue to thoroughly investigate the incident.’
South Australia Health has reported that 38 people between the ages of 17 and 40 presented to hospital in the early hours of Sunday morning with a range of symptoms including headaches, fatigue, dizziness and nausea.
All patients are in a stable condition and are expected to make a full recovery.
SA Health’s Chief Public Health Officer Professor Nicola Spurrier said some patients required oxygen therapy.
The manager of the venue, Richard Laidlaw, revealed that a fault Zamboni – a machine used to smooth the ice before play – was to blame for the leak (pictured: the Zamboni in action at half time)
Anyone experiencing symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning after visiting the ice skating rink is urged to seek medical assistance.
‘Anyone still experiencing symptoms should seek a medical review today,’ Professor Spurrier said in a statement.
‘People who are pregnant and very young infants are advised to seek a medical review today regardless of symptoms.’
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, tiredness, nausea and in more severe cases, shortness of breath.
Young children, people who are pregnant, older people and those with chronic illnesses such as heart and lung disease, are at increased risk of health impacts from carbon monoxide poisoning.
The venue was closed on Sunday but is expected to reopen on Monday
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