The Harris County Fire Marshalls of Spring, Texas, a suburb of Houston, Texas, have announced that around 80 people are undergoing medical decontamination after an unknown chemical spilled in a pool area at Hurricane Harbor Splashtown. Initial reports mentioned 60 people were affected but have continued to grow in number during the investigation. Here is what we know about this Hurricane Harbor Splashtown Chemical Spill.
According to the reports, the Spring Fire Department responded to the call around 3 p.m. at 21300 Interstate 45 in Spring, Texas. The reports also note that the spill appears to have started near the children’s pool, causing children to run out of the pool with respiratory issues. A lifeguard grew sick and soon after, more people got sick.
At this time, officials say they are unsure if the spill came from a leak.
The Harris County Public Health Department issued the following press release:
Harris County Public Health (HCPH) and the Harris County Fire Marshal (HCFMO) have issued close orders for Hurricane Harbor Splashtown in Spring, after approximately 60 individuals were exposed to high levels of chemicals in the water.
In the interest of public health and safety, the County has ordered the park to close until it is deemed safe for reopening to the public.
Some individuals requiring emergency medical attention were sent to local hospitals via ambulance and individuals reporting exposures, were observed by emergency medical services and went through decontamination showers from HCFMO.
HCPH Environmental Public Health Division will conduct testing and inspections of all pool systems tonight to determine the cause of the chemical exposures and address public health and safety concerns.
HCPH will continue working with HCFMO, Harris County Pollution Control Services Department (PCS), Spring Fire Department, other agencies and Splashtown to address this incident.
Harris County Public Health and HCFMO issued close orders for the park. HCPH said its Environmental Public Health Division will conduct testing and inspections of all pool systems Saturday night to determine the cause of the chemical exposures and address public health and safety concerns. The park will remain closed until it is deemed safe for reopening to the public, officials said.
“What began as a fun family day turned into very much a nightmare for many families,” said Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo during a press conference. Hidalgo said there was no indication of air quality or chemical leaks in the surrounding area. However, she did advise that people avoid the area until further notice.
Rosie Shepard of Hurricane Harbor Splashtown released the following statement:
“At approximately 2:30 this afternoon, a small number of guests in a section of the park reported feeling ill with respiratory irritation. The safety of our guests and team member is always our highest priority and the park was immediately cleared as we try to determine a cause. Out of an abundance of caution, the park has been closed for the day.”
The park’s representatives also state:
“Related to a reported chemical spill in the Spring area today, we can confirm that Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center has received 12 patients and Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center has received 5 patients. All patients are currently being evaluated and their conditions are unknown at this time.”
Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center released the following statement:
“Related to a reported chemical spill in the Spring area today, we can confirm that Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center has received 12 patients and Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center has received 5 patients. All patients are currently being evaluated and their conditions are unknown at this time.”
Our mission is to help families who have been harmed by contaminated food or water. When corporations cause food poisoning outbreaks, Legionnaires disease outbreaks, or injure with chemical spills, we use the law to hold them accountable.
If you were injured with in this Hurricane Harbor Splashtown Chemical Spill and are interested in making a legal claim for compensation, we can help. Call us for a free no obligation legal consultation at 833.330.3663, or send us an e-mail here.
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