Emergency services in Norway responded to a mass carbon monoxide poisoning at a youth party in Lørenskog. At least 25 young people required hospital treatment after using a diesel generator indoors during an overnight celebration.
The incident occurred in a rented party venue where approximately 250-400 teenagers had gathered. Authorities confirmed the generator was placed inside the building despite clear safety warnings against indoor use.
Lørenskog Mayor Amine Mabel Andresen stated the municipality learned about the incident through medical channels rather than police reports. This delayed notification has complicated the police investigation into the circumstances surrounding the poisoning.
Akershus University Hospital activated additional staff to handle the influx of patients. Hospital representative Torkil Benterud reported most victims showed mild symptoms including headaches, nausea, and dizziness. All patients remained conscious upon arrival, and medical staff expected most would be discharged within hours.
Police have launched a formal investigation but acknowledge the delayed reporting creates challenges. The officer in charge confirmed authorities were not notified about the incident until media reports emerged hours later.
This incident echoes a similar 2020 carbon monoxide poisoning at an Oslo bunker party that hospitalized 26 people. Retired firefighter Robin Gustavsen, whose daughter attended the Lørenskog event, expressed concern about repeated safety failures. He emphasized that both organizers and parents share responsibility for ensuring proper safety measures.
The party venue remained closed for police forensic examination, forcing cancellation of a scheduled follow-up event. Authorities from neighboring Lillestrøm municipality also activated crisis teams, confirming some affected youth resided in their district.
Carbon monoxide poisoning remains a serious risk in Norway, particularly during youth celebration seasons. The colorless, odorless gas displaces oxygen in the bloodstream and can prove fatal in enclosed spaces. Medical officials urge anyone experiencing symptoms to seek immediate treatment.
Local officials now face questions about event safety protocols and communication breakdowns between medical services and law enforcement. The incident highlights ongoing challenges in balancing youth independence with necessary adult supervision during traditional Norwegian celebration periods.
What explains the persistent pattern of indoor generator use despite clear warnings? Some parents suggest convenience often overrides safety considerations during party planning. Others point to insufficient education about the rapid dangers of carbon monoxide accumulation.
The company that supplied the generator participated in setup and had representatives present during the event. They claim the equipment was placed in a ventilated area, contradicting witness accounts of crowded, enclosed conditions.
Norwegian authorities continue investigating whether criminal negligence occurred. Meanwhile, medical services maintain heightened readiness for potential additional cases as news spreads through youth networks.