UK: Scare as fourteen fall sick at city venue

Crews attend ‘major incident’ at AECC

Published: 04/12/2008

Source of Article:  http://www.eveningexpress.co.uk/Article.aspx/971958?UserKey= 

Response: Police and ambulances at the AECC, Bridge of Don, this afternoon.

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FOURTEEN people were taken to hospital this afternoon after a suspected food poisoning outbreak in the North-east.

Nine ambulances and eight police cars were sent to Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre after the suspected outbreak.

. Emergency crews were dealing with what was described as “a major incident” at the AECC.

People affected by the suspected food poisoning were isolated as authorities tried to determine what caused their illness.

A Scottish Ambulance Service spokesman said the first reports from the AECC came in just before 1pm with suspicions of food poisoning.

Within an hour, the number of casualties had soared to 14, prompting tests to be carried out amid concerns of an airborne virus.

AECC acting managing director Brian Horsburgh said it was not known what caused the people to fall ill but their symptoms were similar to those of an allergic reaction.

He said: “A number of people had a reaction after they had lunch which made us suspicious that it might have been something with some food.”

Mr Horsburgh said a test was later carried out by Grampian Fire and Rescue Service to determine if the problem was in the air but the results were negative.

Those affected were believed to be part of a local business who had been using a meeting room at the venue.

Mr Horsburgh said the concert and arena sections – to host a sell-out gig by rockers the Stereophonics tonight – were not affected.

A Scottish Ambulance Service spokesman said: “It appears to be suspected food poisoning.

“At the last count we were taking 14 up to ARI who were conscious and walking but very unwell.”

He said nine teams – with ambulances, rapid response units and patient transport vehicles for walking wounded – were deployed. A specialist fire officer who deals with hazardous substances was also at the site.

Police officers could be seen guarding the front door of nearby Maxi’s Bar and Restaurant and outside the Holiday Inn Hotel.

Members of the emergency services also led people out of the Bridge of Don venue.

A Food Standards Agency spokeswoman said the organisation had been made aware of the incident but investigations will be carried out by NHS Grampian.

People who ate tuna at the centre were being spoken to by authorities.

WERE you affected by the outbreak? Call our newsdesk on (01224) 344173.

 

 

 

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