NORTH CAROLINA: Chemical leaks land 40 children, 2 adults in hospital

An unfortunate chemical leak at a YMCA swimming pool in Durham, North Carolina has reportedly landed no less than 40 children aged between 6 to 12 years old, as well as two adults in hospital.

According to Durham County Emergency Management six children who improved after being treated by hospital staff, were initially considered to be in serious condition at the scene of the incident.

Witness Dan Winn told ABC station WTVD that he saw kids “coughing” shortly after smelling a “real strong odor.”

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He added that the smell caused his asthma to flare up, saying, “I had a tightness in my throat.”

The YMCA said it took action immediately after the odor was reported.

“Earlier this afternoon, a lifeguard at our Downtown Durham YMCA reported a strong chemical odor near the pool pump room,” the YMCA said in a statement.

“YMCA staff immediately contacted EMS. They, in turn contacted the Durham Fire Department who determined that this was a hazmat situation.”

Reports say during the leak, which occurred at approximately 3 p.m. at the Downtown Durham YMCA, those affected showed symptoms including vomiting, respiratory illness, and skin and eye irritation.

 

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