Dozens of people are injured after reportedly experiencing burning skin and respiratory issues following a chemical leak at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Splashtown in Spring, Texas, officials said.
Crews with Cy Creek EMS and HAZMAT units arrived at the scene around 2:30 p.m. on Saturday to respond to the chemical leak, which reportedly happened at the children’s pool in the park. Thirty-one people were transported to a local medical facility and 55 others were affected but refused transport, the Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office said.
“The safety of our guests and team members is always our highest priority and the park was immediately cleared as we try to determine a cause,” a Hurricane Harbor spokesperson said in a release. “Out of an abundance of caution, the park has been closed for the day.”
Dozens of affected people underwent “decontamination” treatment, the fire department said, during which first responders hosed them down with water to remove chemical irritants.
The most serious injury happened to a 3-year-old child who experienced respiratory issues, though she was taken to a nearby medical facility and is in stable condition, according to a local CBS affiliate.
A total of 26 people have been transported from Six Flags Hurricane Harbor to area hospitals. 39 people refused ambulance transport after decontamination by Spring Firefighters. The county has ordered the park closed. pic.twitter.com/Nue1NjH0B5
— Spring Fire Department (@Springfdtx) July 17, 2021
“You’ll never forget this trip to Six Flags for sure,” one park guest, Bobby West, told the outlet. West added it appeared some first responders were carrying some people out of the park on “stretchers.”
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Harris County Public Health and the HCFMO ordered the park to close for inspection to determine the cause of the chemical exposures and address public safety concerns. The park will remain closed until it is deemed safe for reopening, officials said.
“I just kept wondering why I was burning.” These women and their kids say they were at the kiddie pool when they started feeling a burning sensation. And they had to be sprayed off by first responders. @DavidGonzKHOU @KHOU pic.twitter.com/R2vsva8yWf
— Janelle Bludau (@JanelleKHOU) July 17, 2021
