Splashtown water park in Spring, TX is closed after over 100 people had to be decontaminated following chemical leak according to local officials
The following written content from Tierra Smith, Bill Barajas, and Mario Diaz,
Over 100 people were treated Saturday afternoon after a chemical leak at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Splashtown in Spring, according to local officials. Investigators believe the leak was some sort of mixture of bleach and sulfuric acid.
According to Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office, 31 people were taken to the hospital while 55 refused transport. Officials said those affected were decontaminated before being allowed to leave the park.
As of Sunday morning, all 28 patients treated by the Memorial Hermann medical system had been discharged in good condition, according to representative.
In a statement Sunday, a Splashtown representative said the park will remain closed Sunday and Monday as an investigation into Saturday’s incident continues.
The representative said preliminary findings indicate there was a vapor release in a small outdoor section of the park that quickly dissipated.
“We are working hand in hand with Harris County Public Health officials, along with third party industry experts, to determine a cause, and we will reopen when we are confident it is safe to do so,” the representative said in a statement. “It is our understanding that all impacted guests and team members have been released and are back home. The safety of our guests and employees is always our top priority.”“We are working hand in hand with Harris County Public Health officials, along with third party industry experts, to determine a cause, and we will reopen when we are confident it is safe to do so,” the representative said in a statement. “It is our understanding that all impacted guests and team members have been released and are back home. The safety of our guests and employees is always our top priority.”
Fire crews responded to Splashtown around 2:30 p.m. Saturday. According to investigators, the incident started in the kiddie pool area when a lifeguard became sick. Shortly after, more people became sick including children.
Officials said most people experienced minor skin and inhalation irritation. A 3-year-old child was rushed to the hospital but is in stable condition. A woman went into labor during the evaluation and is doing fine.
Investigators said the system that controls the chemicals at the water park did not have any alarms or readings set off.
HCFMO hazmat is investigating to identify the cause of the incident and to verify the chemicals involved. They said they took water and air samples and that the levels appear to be normal at this time. Officials will continue to monitor the air and water quality.
County Judge Lina Hildago has ordered the park to close down until further investigation. Officials said Six Flags is cooperating.
he Fire Marshal’s Office said the last time Splashtown had an inspection was June 2021.
A day went bad
Steven Morris and his 9-year-old daughter Lia are among the more than 30 people who were rushed to a local hospital following the leak at Splashtown.
“I thought it was a terrorist attack it felt like we got gassed,” said Steven Morris.
He said he knew something was wrong when his daughter began crying and vomiting. Doctors and nurses said her oxygen levels were low.
“I just started coughing and then my eyes swelled up,” said Lia Morris.
Another father said he smelled a harsh smell and quickly realized something was wrong.
“You don’t plan your day around something like this you know… stuff happens but you never expect something like this you know,” Hunter said.
He shared videos that show the chaotic scene following a chemical leak at Splashtown.
“You see the videos of the people rioting it’s almost like that man. People running everywhere it’s chaotic,” Hunter said. “I talked to some lifeguards that are here from Splashtown and they informed me that the chemicals were mixed wrong.” Read more from Click2
Subscribe here
