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The monster truck “Blue Thunder” at a show in Dresden
Photo: Paul Glaser / picture alliance / dpa
During “Monster Jam,” huge trucks drive up ramps and roll over, among other things. In Hamburg, the event, which was as archaic as it was spectacular, was canceled early during the first performance on Saturday due to excessive emissions. An eleven-year-old boy was taken to hospital with suspected CO poisoning. Two days were originally planned.
On Saturday, the organizer initially detected an increased CO concentration using its own measuring devices and paused the show. The fire department was alerted around 1 p.m. The experts' subsequent measurements then produced a lower result than the one measured by the organizer, as the Hamburg fire department confirmed to SPIEGEL upon request. After consultation with the organizer, it was decided to continue the show in a reduced form.
At around 5 p.m., the fire department was called again to the Barclays Arena near the Volksparkstadion. An eleven-year-old boy complained of nausea and headaches. He was taken to hospital with suspected CO poisoning. The Hamburg fire department said it was then decided together with the organizer to end the show and cancel further events. So far, nothing is known of any other injuries due to the high CO levels.
Carbon monoxide is produced, among other things, by the incomplete combustion of fuels and fuels and is therefore a component of vehicle exhaust gases. The odorless and tasteless gas prevents the lungs from absorbing oxygen and can be fatal.
The organizers announced on the Barclays Arena website: “Due to operational restrictions, the Monster Jam shows on April 6th at 7 p.m. and April 7th at 1 p.m. have been canceled. Please contact your ticket sales office, who will promptly assist you with the refund. We thank you for your understanding and apologize for any inconvenience caused.”
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