MAY 22, 2015
NAPERVILLE, ILLINOIS
Eight children and three adults are being treated for
respiratory issues at Edward Hospital in Naperville following a chlorine spill
this morning at Goldfish Swim School on the 1600 block of Quincy Avenue in
Naperville.
All of the patients are in good condition and expected to be
released, according to an Edward Hospital spokesman.
Fire department Bureau Chief Andrew Dina said firefighters
responded to a call of a hazardous materials spill at 10:23 a.m. and arrived at
the school to find people leaving the building -- many of them coughing.
The department's hazardous materials team discovered a
chlorine leak and began ventilating the building, Dina said.
Meanwhile, paramedics treated patients complaining of chest
pain, shortness of breath, nausea and vomiting. Ambulances took nine patients
to Edward Hospital, the fire department said, and 19 others refused to be taken
there.
By 2:30 p.m., spokesman Keith Hartenberger said Edward was
treating 11 patients with symptoms from the chlorine leak.
Dina said school officials said the staff was "shocking
the pool," when the spill occurred, which means they likely found a
substance in the water and used chlorine to clean it.
Officials said they're unsure when the school can reopen.
"It was somewhat significant," Dina said,
"but they (school officials) handled it well."
A large emergency response including personnel from
Naperville, Aurora, Bolingbrook and Plainfield began leaving the scene at 11:40
a.m.
School officials declined to comment at the scene but said
they will issue a statement later today.
The school is in a largely industrial area. No other
buildings were affected.
Source: http://www.dailyherald.com