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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.
HCFMO HAZMAT has been requested to assist @Springfdtx with a chemical incident at Hurricane Harbor Splashtown. 29 people are going through decon. HCFMO hazmat is on scene working to identify the cause of the incident. More info as soon as availabl. #hounews pic.twitter.com/a7v8T3DXwc
— @hcfmo (@hcfmo) July 17, 2021
(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.
