According to Harris County Officials, an unknown amount of chemicals comprised of a “hypochlorite solution” and “35% sulfuric acid” had been released in a pool area at Hurricane Harbor Splashtown in Houston Texas, contaminating more than 60 people.
Around 3 p.m., the Spring Fire Department responded to a call at Hurricane Harbor Splashtown.
#update 34 people gone through decon. Incident has been contained to one attraction at the park. HCFMO HAZMAT is working on air monitoring. More info when available.
— @hcfmo (@hcfmo) July 17, 2021
According to a fire marshal, HAZMAT specialists arrived on the site to check the air. At the time officials were unsure if the spill was caused by a leak. LifeZette obtained a screenshot from emergency responders saying that chemical was ‘mustard gas’.
(Exclusive screenshot obtained by LifeZette)
Despite initial reports of the chemical being identified as ‘mustard gas’ by on scene emergency personnel, emergency officials later confirmed that the chemicals are believed to be a “hypochlorite solution” and “35% sulfuric acid”.
Our @hcfmo HAZMAT team and pollution control department are providing support to @springfdtx No indication of air quality or chemical leaks in the surrounding area at this time but please avoid the area if possible. We will be sharing further updates shortly. https://t.co/A5Hpqv9UkU
— Lina Hidalgo (@LinaHidalgoTX) July 17, 2021
Judge Lina Hidalgo of Harris County said there was no evidence of poor air quality or chemical leaks in the area. She did, however, encourage people to stay away from the area until further notice.
According to officials, those who were affected have complained of minor skin and/or inhalation irritation.
According to Judge Hidalgo, the most serious case involved a toddler. That child was sent to Texas Children’s Hospital in The Woodlands and is now in stable condition. According to Hidalgo, 39 people refused to be transported to the hospital, while 26 others were taken to local area hospitals. Spring Fire Chief stated that more than 100 emergency responders arrived at the incident.
City officials have ordered the water park to stay closed until it can be confirmed by the Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office that the water park is safe, according to Judge Lina Hidalgo. Emergency officials have said the park area is safe, but are still encouraging the public to stay away from the area until further notice.
An investigation into the cause of this incident is ongoing.
This is a developing story. Please check back later for more updates.
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