Dozens hospitalised after O2 arena leak
Updated on 30 October 2007
Dozens of people have been taken to hospital following a chemical leak at London's O2 arena.
Twenty-seven members of staff at the venue, formerly the Millennium Dome, were taken to hospital on Monday night after 30 people inhaled ammonia, London Fire Brigade said.
They complained of runny noses, itchy eyes and discomfort.
An LFB spokeswoman said 30 workers at the venue in Greenwich were treated for minor injuries after the gas leaked from the ice rink plant to the outside of the arena through an air vent.
No members of the public were harmed and the London Fire Brigade and Health and Safety Executive have launched investigations.
An LFB spokeswoman said: "The gas supply was isolated and monitoring of the affected area was carried out using specialist equipment."
The spokeswoman added: "The area has now been declared safe. An investigation team has been on site but the matter is now in the hands of the site manager."
A spokeswoman for The O2 said: "There was a minor ammonia leak last night at The O2. The building was immediately evacuated.
"Some members of staff have gone to hospital as a precautionary measure. The building will reopen this morning as usual."
The entertainment venue's centrepiece is a 20,000-capacity arena as well as a smaller venue for live music and club nights, an 11-screen multiplex cinema and exhibition spaces, bars and restaurants.
It has already attracted some of the biggest names in music to perform, including Prince, Bon Jovi and Sir Elton John.
In November an ice disco is due to open for four months on a 900-square-metre ice rink in the London Piazza area of the venue.
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