Ice Arena, Adelaide: AFL player Marcus Bontempelli's partner among ice hockey players hospitalized after carbon monoxide poisoning
The partner of an AFL star was one of dozens of top hockey players hospitalized with carbon monoxide poisoning after a leak at an ice rink.
Neila Brenning, the partner of Western Bulldogs AFL player Marcus Bontempelli, was one of almost 40 patients who fell ill on Saturday after attending the Ice Arena in Thebarton.
Most of the victims had attended or played an Australian women's ice hockey match between Melbourne Ice and home team Adelaide Rush at the arena on Saturday afternoon.
Before the match, the ice rink was also used by the public.
Firefighters were called to the scene later in the evening, where atmospheric testing found 'high levels' of carbon monoxide and had to use rental pressure fans and ventilation to remove it.
Brenning, who plays for the visiting team, took a selfie of himself in a wheelchair surrounded by two teammates at Adelaide Airport on Sunday.
“Oh what a night,” she captioned the selfie on Instagram Stories.
As an official investigation was launched, 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 an Australian women's ice hockey match between Melbourne Ice and home team Adelaide Rush (pictured) at Thebarton Arena on Saturday afternoon when they were rushed to hospital.
“Carbon monoxide has been detected and it appears to be coming from the Zamboni,” said manager Richard Laidlaw 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 rink was closed on Sunday, but is expected to reopen on Monday.
It is understood that players from both teams started to get sick halfway through the match.
“During the match, which started at 4.45pm local time, many players from the Melbourne Ice and Rush teams became unwell,” an Ice Hockey Australia spokesperson said.
'Players from both teams were taken to the Royal Adelaide Hospital with symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.'
'Our thoughts are with all those affected. We wish all those affected a speedy recovery.
“We understand that authorities are working with the location to thoroughly investigate the incident.”
South Australia Health has reported that 38 people aged between 17 and 40 attended hospital in the early hours of Sunday morning with a range of symptoms including headaches, fatigue, dizziness and nausea.
All patients are in stable condition and are expected to make a full recovery.
SA Health Chief Public Health Officer Professor Nicola Spurrier said some patients required oxygen therapy.
Melbourne Ice player Neila Brenning took a selfie at Adelaide Airport with teammates Danielle Butler and Stephanie Conlon
Firefighters (pictured) were called to the rink where they detected carbon monoxide and used rental pressure fans and ventilation to clear the rink
The venue's manager, Richard Laidlaw, revealed that a mistake by Zamboni – a machine used to smooth the ice before play – was the cause of the leak (photo: the Zamboni in action at half-time)
Anyone who experiences symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning after visiting the rink is urged to seek medical attention.
“Anyone still experiencing symptoms should seek a medical assessment today,” Professor Spurrier said in a statement.
'People who are pregnant and with very young babies are advised to seek medical assessment today regardless of symptoms.'
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, fatigue, nausea and, in more severe cases, shortness of breath.
Young children, pregnant people, the elderly and people with chronic diseases such as heart and lung disease are at increased risk of health effects from carbon monoxide poisoning.
The location was closed on Sunday but is expected to reopen on Monday