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, More Pictures 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 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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