Officials said the chlorine gas was caused by an “atypical” incident during routine maintenance.
COLUMBUS, Neb. — Eight people were taken to the hospital after being exposed to chlorine at a water park in Nebraska, fire officials said Monday.
The Columbus Fire Department in Columbus, Nebraska, said they were called to Pawnee Plunge around 2:55 p.m. for a drowning incident. When they arrived at the water park, they found “multiple chlorine-exposed patients,” according to the release.
Emergency crews saw a total of 12 people, eight of whom went to hospital and four who did not want to be taken away by ambulance. The condition of the person taken to the hospital was not immediately known.
The chlorine was caused by a “normal” and recurring daily backflow procedure, according to the release.
“It is believed that bubbles containing chlorine were released during the process, which according to Plunge staff is atypical,” the release said.
It’s unclear how much chlorine people were exposed to.
The Pawnee Plunge was temporarily closed while medical personnel checked on people, but the park reopened after the incident.
Chlorine is a strong-smelling liquid or gas used primarily in swimming pools to disinfect water. The chemical dissolves in water and kills bacteria, algae, viruses and parasites, according to the agency. American Chemistry Council.
The Columbus Fire Department said anyone who has been exposed to chlorine should move to fresh air, loosen tight clothing, remove exposed clothing as soon as possible and shower, and seek medical attention if they have trouble breathing, chest tightness or a persistent cough.
