A high school celebration in Lørenskog turned dangerous when carbon monoxide poisoning sent dozens of teenagers to emergency rooms. The incident occurred during a party for second-year high school students who will become traditional Norwegian 'russ' graduates in 2027.
Anniken Nordheim's daughter attended the Friday event where 51 participants eventually required hospital treatment. The teenager reported strange smells in the stairwell and noted poor air quality inside the venue. She witnessed one girl collapse during the festivities and saw multiple attendees suffering from severe headaches. One participant reportedly vomited black substance.
Police suspect a gasoline-powered generator caused the carbon monoxide leak. Authorities are investigating whether improper generator setup contributed to the incident and if emergency notification protocols were violated. Police first learned about the dangerous situation through media reports on Saturday, raising questions about response timing.
Nordheim expressed concern about the lack of immediate medical response. 'I find it strange that nobody reacted and called for health assistance when several people showed strong symptoms,' she stated. 'Had the carbon monoxide concentration been higher, I fear this could have ended much worse.'
Three individuals now face suspicion in the case: the venue landlord, a parent serving as responsible organizer, and the generator supplier. None had obtained legal representation as of Sunday. Police plan to conduct multiple interviews throughout the week and will perform crime scene investigations.
Medical professionals treated all affected patients at Akershus University Hospital. Chief physician Torkil Benterud confirmed all cases involved mild symptoms. Patients received monitoring for four hours before being discharged home. 'With serious poisoning, patients can experience seizures and fainting,' Benterud explained. 'Mild poisoning symptoms include nausea, vomiting and confusion.'
The physician noted that carbon monoxide symptoms can resemble alcohol intoxication, potentially delaying recognition of medical emergencies. Dark vomit can have multiple causes, including food or drink consumption, though carbon monoxide poisoning remains the primary concern in this incident.
Norwegian high school graduation celebrations, known as 'russefeiring,' involve extensive traditions and parties throughout April and May. These events sometimes face safety concerns despite established guidelines for responsible organization. The generator supplier claimed venue security guards opened the generator room door while responding to a potential fight outside, though this account requires verification.
Police attorney Sofie Wirum Sæter leads the ongoing investigation. Authorities will determine whether criminal negligence occurred and if safety regulations were properly followed. The case highlights ongoing challenges in managing large youth events despite Norway's generally strong safety record.
Nordheim's daughter experienced mild symptoms the following day and contacted emergency medical services as a precaution. 'She's doing very well now,' Nordheim reported. 'She likely had minimal exposure since she spent considerable time outside the venue during the party.'
The venue landlord told local media he was unaware generators were used at the event and would never have permitted such equipment. Norwegian rental agreements typically specify approved equipment usage, making this claim significant to the investigation.