Ten children and one adult have been rushed to the hospital following a chemical leak at a Dublin swimming pool yesterday afternoon.
Emergency services raced to the scene, with Dublin Fire Brigade dispatching four units, a specialist hazardous materials team and an ambulance.
It is understood that the swimming pool complex was promptly evacuated while a number of people were given medical evaluations, eleven of whom were subsequently taken to hospital.
The incident saw toxic fumes spread into the swimming area of the leisure complex, affecting several children, according to the Sun.
It is understood that chemicals had reacted in the pool’s plant room at the Clayton Liffey Valley Hotel, causing toxic fumes to leak into the swimming area where 23 children were taking part in lessons.
Upon arriving at the scene following several reports of swimmers feeling unwell, firefighters used fans to ventilate the area and remove all chemical fumes.
Explaining the incident in a statement, the Dalata Hotel Group said: ‘We can confirm that 23 people in total, who were using the pool at the time of the incident, were medically assessed having complained of feeling unwell.
‘Ten children and one adult were brought to hospital and are receiving medical attention. Following the incident, the swimming pool has been closed, in accordance with the company’s safety and emergency procedures.
‘Our immediate thoughts are with those impacted and their families. We are doing everything in our power to support them and the emergency services.’
Meanwhile, Dublin Fire Brigade confirmed on Facebook that emergency services had been alerted shortly before 3:40 pm.
It confirmed that firefighter-paramedics using breathing apparatus and chemical protection suits had worked to isolate a hazardous substance while those affected received medical assessments.
Specialist hazardous materials appliances from Donnybrook and Dun Laoghaire were also used to make a decontamination zone.
A spokesperson said: ‘We were called at 15:39 hrs this afternoon to reports of a hazardous materials incident at a swimming pool complex in Liffey Valley, Clondalkin.
‘Firefighter/paramedics in breathing apparatus and chemical protection suits have isolated the hazardous substance, and patients are being assessed by NAS and DFB personnel.
‘There is no danger to the wider public, and we expect the incident to be scaled back shortly.
Specialist HazMat appliances from Donnybrook and Dun Laoghaire fire stations are at the incident and have set up a decontamination zone. Operations are continuing at the moment.’
