Carbon Monoxide Poisoning at Birthday Party in Ancona Sickens Dozens
A family celebration turned into a medical emergency on January 6, 2026, in Ancona, Italy, as at least 15 people attending a birthday party at a local bowling club exhibited symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.
A joyous Epiphany celebration at the PalaSangria bowling club in Casenuove di Osimo quickly devolved into a public health incident as attendees began experiencing nausea, headaches, and throat discomfort. The incident, believed to be caused by a carbon monoxide leak, impacted a group of parents and children ranging in age from a few months to ten years old.
Initial Response and Patient Transport
The first signs of illness emerged in the early afternoon, prompting a swift response from emergency services. When first responders arrived, ten individuals were still displaying symptoms, including an entire family and one elderly woman who fainted. Seven children were transported to the Salesi hospital, while two adults received treatment at the Torrette emergency room. Three individuals were initially treated on-site but declined further hospitalization.
Critically, three of those rescued are being transferred to a hyperbaric chamber in Ravenna for specialized treatment. Paramedics transported patients directly from the bowling alley to the appropriate medical facilities.
No Life-Threatening Injuries Reported
Despite the widespread impact, authorities have assured the public that no one is currently in life-threatening condition. “Having verified clinical stability,” a statement from the Marche AOU confirmed, “operations are underway regarding the organization of patient transport for specific treatments at the hyperbaric chamber in Ravenna. Nobody, at present, is in danger of life.” A dedicated crisis unit has been activated to monitor the situation closely.
Investigation Points to Boiler Malfunction
Preliminary investigations conducted by the Carabinieri suggest a boiler malfunction was the source of the gas leak. The mayor of Ancona, Michela Glorio, addressed the public, stating, “Regarding the emergency situation that arose at the bowling club, a private facility known as PalaSangria, where some people were poisoned by monoxide during a birthday party, I would like to reassure you that the situation has been defined under control.”
Glorio added that she had spoken with local council president Silvano Zagaglia and the fire brigade commander, Doriano Carnevali. Security Councilor Lorenzo Bottegoni also visited the site to assess the situation and offer municipal support.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning and the importance of regular maintenance for fuel-burning appliances. Authorities continue to investigate the full extent of the malfunction and ensure the safety of the PalaSangria facility before it reopens to the public.
