400 People Evacuated from Leeuwarden Ice Rink after Ammonia Leak
About 400 people were evacuated from the Elfstedenhal ice rink in Leeuwarden after ammonia leaked from the building’s cooling system, and the hall will remain closed until at least Monday, Omrop Friesland reported.
The leak occurred Tuesday evening around 6 p.m. in the technical room, where ammonia is used to keep the motors cool, according to director Klaas Siderius, who spoke to the Leeuwarder Courant. “We cool the ice rink with CO2, but we need ammonia to keep the motors cool,” Siderius said. “It really sprayed out. That was quite a scare.”
Alarm System Triggers Immediate Evacuation
Siderius told Omrop Fryslân that nobody was in danger and that only a small amount of ammonia escaped this time, with the leak detected immediately. “When there’s a leak, an alarm goes off immediately at the technical service,” he said. “They see a red screen. And according to our protocol, the hall is evacuated immediately in case of an ammonia leak.” The Leeuwarder Courant reported that all alarms went off and everyone got out safely, with the hundreds of evacuees addressed outside by megaphone.
Pipe Connection Cracked, Bypass Installed
According to Siderius, the leak originated at a connection between two pipe sections where a small crack or tear had formed. “That shouldn’t be possible, but it remains technology,” he told the Leeuwarder Courant. Tuesday evening, crews installed a bypass in the pipes so ammonia no longer flows past the broken section. Siderius said that in theory the motors should still be cooled sufficiently, though Omrop Fryslân reported the hall stays closed until at least Monday.
Visitors Can Retrieve Belongings
Because visitors had to leave the building abruptly, some left belongings inside. Those items can be collected Tuesday between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m., or from Wednesday morning at 8 a.m., the Leeuwarder Courant reported. Normally the ice rink is open until 10:30 p.m.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does an ice rink use ammonia?
The Elfstedenhal cools its ice surface with CO2, but ammonia is needed in the technical room to keep the motors cool, director Klaas Siderius told the Leeuwarder Courant.
Is ammonia dangerous to breathe?
Ammonia is widely used for its good cooling properties but is toxic to people when inhaled, according to the Leeuwarder Courant.
When will the Elfstedenhal reopen?
Omrop Fryslân reported the hall remains closed until at least Monday, though Siderius told the Leeuwarder Courant he hoped it could reopen Wednesday once a bypass diverts ammonia around the damaged pipe section.
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