13 hospitalized after gas leak at ice arena

Thirteen patients were transported to area hospitals Saturday night after carbon monoxide was detected at the Center Ice Arena in Glen Ellyn.

At 5:33 p.m. the Glen Ellyn Volunteer Fire Company responded to a report of a possible carbon monoxide incident at the arena, at 1N450 Highland Ave., according to a release from the Glen Ellyn Fire Department. Firefighters confirmed there was the presence of carbon monoxide in the building and a complete was initiated. At the time of the call a hockey tournament was under way and the building was heavily occupied, with numerous patrons complaining of headaches, vomiting and dizziness.

Six ambulances were brought in from surrounding communities to assist Glen Ellyn's two ambulances on the scene. They also requested the County Mass Casualty Unit respond to provide medical supplies to the units on the scene. At the scene patients were triaged and 13 were transported to local hospitals. An additional 29 people were treated and released.

Wheaton, Lombard, Downers Grove, Addison, Villa Park, Winfield, Glenside, Carol Stream and Bloomingdale all assisted. The cause has not been determined at this time.