ST AUGUSTINE, March 9: Security at the hotel hosting four World Cup squads will be beefed up in the wake of a gas leak in the building on Wednesday, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said on Thursday.

The Trinidad Hilton was evacuated after the gas leak was discovered, and police told reporters that 14 people were taken to hospital after inhaling the fumes.

The South Africa, Pakistan, Canada and Ireland squads were guests at the hotel.

“The law enforcement agencies in Trinidad and Tobago have indicated that the incident was not directed towards any of the teams and additional policing has been put in place on the property,” said a statement issued by Cricket World Cup organisers.

A police investigation is looking into the cause of the incident.

South African coach Mickey Arthur said his eyes burned and he struggled to breathe as he was leaving his room during the evacuation.

No other players, officials or coaches complained of feeling the effects of the gas.

“Both the Canada and Ireland squads were in the vicinity of the hotel and were making their way to practise,” the statement said.

“As a result, some members of the Canadian team, who were in an elevator, witnessed some effects of the incident but went on to practise as planned.

“The South Africa and Pakistan teams were still at the hotel and both teams were swiftly evacuated from the premises according to standard safety regulations.”

The head of the tournament's Trinidad and Tobago organising committee, Anand Daniel, said the incident had prompted the government to treat the incident as “their highest priority”.

“There is additional security at the hotel and there is additional security wherever the players practise and at the venues,” Daniel told reporters.

“Wherever the players will go outside of the matches, they will be accompanied by security.”—Reuters