A chemical leak at a Houston-area water park left dozens of people with breathing and skin irritation problems on Saturday — including 26 who were hospitalized, one in a critical condition, per the New York Times.
Driving the news: Lina Hidalgo, Houston's chief elected official, told reporters over 60 people had undergone decontamination procedures following the leak at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Splashtown in Spring, Texas.
Update: 39 people refused transport. 26 people transported to area hospitals. Chemicals believed to be involved hypochlorite solution and 35% sulfuric acid. An investigation into the cause of this incident is ongoing. @Springfdtx
— @hcfmo (@hcfmo) July 17, 2021
- Per a statement from Harrison County Fire Marshal's Office, investigators believe the chemicals involved in the incident are hypochlorite solution, a bleach, and 35% sulfuric acid.
- Hidalgo said in a statement earlier Saturday, "We've issued a closure order to investigate and ensure the park meets all requirements before reopening again."
What to watch: Harris County Fire Marshal's Office spokesperson Rachel Neutzler said at a briefing that investigators were "looking into" a system that injects bleach and sulfuric acid into the water to maintain the pH balance and keep pools clean, "to see if there was a malfunction or not," per the Times.
- "But that's still under investigation," she added.
