More than 20 swimmers were hospitalized following a chlorine poisoning incident at a swimming pool in north-central Warsaw.
The incident, which occurred on Friday evening at the Polonez swimming pool in the Polish capital’s Targówek district, was caused by an excessive concentration of chlorine in the pool water.
Preliminary tests revealed that chlorine levels were ten times higher than the safe limit at the bottom of the pool and three times the acceptable level near the surface.
As a result, 21 individuals, including both adults and children, exhibited symptoms of chlorine poisoning and were taken to local hospitals. As of Saturday morning, four adults and four children remain under medical observation.
The high chlorine levels, which can lead to respiratory and gastrointestinal issues as well as skin burns, prompted immediate action from the pool’s lifeguards as they noticed the water turning yellow, and quickly evacuated the facility.
Dorota Kozielska, Deputy Mayor of Targówek, described the course of events: “As soon as the water changed color, the lifeguards initiated an immediate evacuation. Medical services, the fire brigade, and police were promptly notified.”
Ewa Wilczyńska, Deputy Director of OSiR Targówek, which operates the swimming pool, issued an apology for the incident.
“I am very sorry that such a situation occurred. We are making every effort to address the issue and clarify the cause of this unfortunate event,” she said.
Although the exact cause of the chlorine malfunction remains unknown, Warsaw police have detained three employees responsible for maintaining the pool’s infrastructure.
The case has been referred to the prosecutor’s office, and the Polonez swimming pool will remain closed until the investigation is complete.
Preliminary tests revealed that chlorine levels were ten times higher than the safe limit at the bottom of the pool and three times the acceptable level near the surface.
As a result, 21 individuals, including both adults and children, exhibited symptoms of chlorine poisoning and were taken to local hospitals. As of Saturday morning, four adults and four children remain under medical observation.
The high chlorine levels, which can lead to respiratory and gastrointestinal issues as well as skin burns, prompted immediate action from the pool’s lifeguards as they noticed the water turning yellow, and quickly evacuated the facility.
Dorota Kozielska, Deputy Mayor of Targówek, described the course of events: “As soon as the water changed color, the lifeguards initiated an immediate evacuation. Medical services, the fire brigade, and police were promptly notified.”
Ewa Wilczyńska, Deputy Director of OSiR Targówek, which operates the swimming pool, issued an apology for the incident.
“I am very sorry that such a situation occurred. We are making every effort to address the issue and clarify the cause of this unfortunate event,” she said.
Although the exact cause of the chlorine malfunction remains unknown, Warsaw police have detained three employees responsible for maintaining the pool’s infrastructure.
The case has been referred to the prosecutor’s office, and the Polonez swimming pool will remain closed until the investigation is complete.
Source: TVN, TVP Warsaw, PAP
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