Ice Arena reopens its doors with major investigation into cause of carbon monoxide leak

A local hockey dad who took his two young kids to the Ice Arena on Saturday was not surprised by the carbon monoxide poisoning incident – here’s why.

• AFL WAG is Ice Arena ‘poisoning’ victim

A local father who has played hockey at the Ice Arena for almost 30 years says the carbon monoxide poisoning on the weekend was not a surprise due to ventilation problems, with competitors often smelling fumes before games.

The dad, who wished to remain anonymous, took his two young children to the Thebarton venue when a gas leak occurred on Saturday evening, leaving almost 50 people hospitalised with carbon monoxide poisoning.

Elite athletes, including Neila Brenning, the partner of Bulldogs star Marcus Bontempelli, were among those requiring treatment.

While the father-of-two and his children escaped without serious symptoms, the long-time hockey player said he “wasn’t surprised” at the incident and had been left “mad as hell” his kids had been put at risk.

However, he believed it was not bad management but the age of the building that led to the incident.

“The place is so old and not necessarily that well set up,” he said.

“Whenever the Zamboni (ice-resurfacing machine) goes around normally it often smells like you’re next to a freeway, but you kind of just get on with it.

“I’d often wondered how well-ventilated it was or where the fumes went but you just assume they’re dealing with it.

“It’s probably unlucky that it’s been handed down through multiple generations and ended up at that point.”

The Ice Arena has reopened after a carbon monoxide leak. Picture: Keryn Stevens

Melbourne Ice player Neila Brenning, partner of AFL player Marcus Bontempelli, leaving Adelaide Airport in a wheelchair after a carbon monoxide poisoning after a leak at the Ice Arena. Picture: Instagram

The father said about 20 hockey players were skating at the smaller rink next to the main arena, with many reporting that they went home and vomited or “tasted petrol” after attending the venue.

“A few of them were supposed to be attending practices tonight but they’ve pulled out because they’re still feeling a bit rough,” he said.

“There were probably lots of people who weren’t necessarily bad enough to go to a hospital, but they’ll been out of work and out of action for a few days because of it.”

SA Health said 49 people in total had presented with symptoms across Adelaide’s hospital system since Saturday, with all since discharged.

On Monday morning, Ice Arena manager Richard Laidlaw revealed staff had previously raised the alarm over the machine that caused the carbon monoxide leak.

Mr Laidlaw told FIVEaa the Zamboni machine had been temporarily decommissioned – but had been booked for a service on Monday after a manager flagged concerns over its operation.

Mr Laidlaw said a faulty Zamboni – an LPG gas-driven machine used to resurface and smooth the ice – was to blame for the incident, with a backup machine now in use while a team of experts determined what caused the leak.

“It has happened around the world and in other ice rinks … they’re really like a car,” he said.

“We have a maintenance program and one of our duty managers (last week) thought it was running a bit rich, so we had organised for a mechanic to come in on (Monday) morning, but it just so happened that his happened on Saturday.”

The Ice Arena reopened its doors on Monday, with Mr Laidlaw reassuring attendees the venue was safe.

Mr Laidlaw praised the “chain of command” at SA Health that led to the leak being discovered.

“Because there was such a large group of them (presenting to hospital) they immediately notified the MFS, who took possession of the building,” Mr Laidlaw said.

“They were very, very quick and the first responders did a fantastic job.”

Premier Peter Malinauskas said the incident was a “significantly concerning development” that SafeWork SA was now investigating.

He praised SA Health staff and nurses who were on duty on Saturday night for their prompt response to the poisoning.

“I really want to thank the hardworking doctors and nurses, particularly those who were on night shift that saw an influx of people coming through overnight,” he said.

“They were able to provide treatment, a number of them (patients) were given oxygen.

“This is concerning for the state that it was happening, but SafeWork will be undertaking investigations.”

The Zamboni at the Ice Arena that was responsible for the carbon monoxide leak. Picture: Keryn Stevens

Mr Malinauskas said although the Ice Arena was the only ice rink in operation in South Australia, there were no plans to put funding towards the existing or a future one.

“It is the only ice arena in South Australia, but in terms of funding, no it’s not something we’ve actively contemplated.

In a statement just before 9pm on Sunday night, Ice Arena management said the MFS had deemed the facility safe, with zero carbon monoxide levels detected inside the rink.

“Thank you to the first responders who have attended Ice Arena today. Our thoughts are with those who have been impacted by recent events, and we wish you a speedy recovery,” the statement said.

Adelaide Ice Arena manager Richard Laidlaw. Picture: Keryn Stevens

“Eight carbon monoxide alarms have been installed across the venue to monitor the atmosphere today to prevent any recurrences.

“Adelaide Ice Arena is committed to providing a safe environment for all our patrons, staff members and the wider skating community.”

By Monday, SA Health said 49 people presented to hospital with a range of symptoms including headaches, fatigue, dizziness and nausea.

The condition of the remaining two patients is unknown, but Chief Public Health Officer Professor Nicola Spurrier said all were expected to make a full recovery.

Urgent SA Health and SafeWork SA reviews have been launched.