Monday, June 22, 2015

The Dangers of too much chlorine: More than 30 in hospital after chemical leak at holiday park swimming pool


More than 30 in hospital after chemical leak at holiday park swimming pool
Victims receive medical attention as the holiday park investigates the cause of the leak (Picture: Andy Trigg, Anglian Radio)
More than 30 people including a three-year-old have been taken to hospital after a chlorine leak in a holiday park swimming pool.

Emergency services including police, fire and ambulance crews were called at around 2.35pm to Wild Duck Holiday Park in Belton near Great Yarmouth, Norfolk.

Haven Holidays spokesman Tom Cassidy said that 33 people described as ‘walking wounded’ had been evacuated and taken to three different hospitals as a ‘precaution’.

The casualties taken to Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, James Paget Hospital in Great Yarmouth or Ipswich Hospital, Mr Cassidy said.


(Picture: Andy Triggs
The alarm was raised after swimmers complained of stinging eyes (Picture: Andy Trigg, Anglian Radio)
He explained: ‘There was a chemical leak in the swimming pool in the entertainment complex and it was evacuated while police and fire and rescue were on their way.

‘Thirty-three people have been taken to three local hospitals as a precaution. They include one three-year-old child and a member of staff.

‘The casualties have been described to me as walking wounded.

‘Obviously the park is now in lockdown while they try and source the chemical leak.’
(Picture: Andy Trigg, Anglian Radio)
The holiday park is now on ‘lockdown’ (Picture: Andy Trigg, Anglian Radio)
It has since been confirmed that the chemical was chlorine, a Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said.

A Norfolk Constabulary spokesperson added: ‘It is believed there are around 40 casualties who are being treated by ambulance crews.

‘The immediate area has been evacuated and a 20 metre cordon has been put in place around the building whilst emergency services deal with the incident.’

The alarm was raised after reports of swimmers suffering stinging to their eyes.
The holiday park which is run by Haven is set in 98 acres of woodland and has indoor and outdoor pools.

Incident at Wild Duck Holiday Park in Belton near Great Yarmouth  65ft cordon put in place around building by emergency services Alarm raised after reports of swimmers suffering stinging to eyes
A cordon has been set up at the holiday park (Picture: Evelyn Simack)
Incident at Wild Duck Holiday Park in Belton near Great Yarmouth  65ft cordon put in place around building by emergency services Alarm raised after reports of swimmers suffering stinging to eyes
Around 40 people have been treated (Picture: Evelyn Simack)