Rockyford Arena carbon monoxide poisoning sends several children to hospital
Posted Dec 16, 2024 10:13 am.
Last Updated Dec 16, 2024 11:57 am.
Carbon monoxide poisoning at a hockey arena northeast of Calgary sent several children to hospital on Sunday.
The Village of Rockyford, about 90 kilometres away from the city, says its arena made calls to the fire department at 7 p.m.
When crews arrived, they noticed the high levels and evacuated the building.
“It was determined that a radiant heater was defective and causing the emissions to vent into the building,” a social media post from the village reads.
The hockey team on the ice made the call after they noticed several children becoming ill from the exposure.
Officials say all affected children were transported to hospital; three reportedly spent the night at Alberta Children’s Hospital. Details on their ages and conditions are not known.
Lori Miller, chief administrative officer for the village, tells 660 NewsRadio all three have been released from hospital.
She says the scary situation is a reminder of the potential dangers of carbon monoxide in all buildings – especially during the winter.
In the meantime, the arena is closed for repairs to the heaters, along with needing a follow-up inspection.
A Facebook post says 15 of the 16 players were treated, along with several parents.
“Have never seen so many players with headaches and flu-like symptoms drop so fast from the game,” the post reads.
