40 minutes before the German preliminary round match against Denmark at the Ice Hockey World Championships in Helsinki, there was a fire alarm. Players, spectators and journalists had to leave the hall. All visitors were asked over loudspeakers to leave the arena.
Around 3,000 fans were already in the hall when the alarm sounded. Both teams had to leave the arena. Pictures show how the German players wait in full gear with skates on their feet in front of the hall. The ice stadium of league club Jokerit Helsinki was built in 1966 and has 8200 seats.
According to eyewitnesses, there was a distinct smell of smoke. The game was supposed to kick off at 3:20 p.m. German time. The fire was extinguished in less than an hour, and there were no injuries. This was announced by the world association IIHF on Thursday.
It is currently unclear when the fourth group game of the Germans will take place. With a win, Germany can open the door to the quarter-finals wide.
More to come.
