Dozens treated after chemical leak at Six Flags waterpark in Texas
Hurricane Harbor Splashtown (Photo: FOX 26 Houston)
A chemical leak at a Houston-area water park left dozens suffering from minor skin irritation and respiratory issues Saturday, authorities said.
Twenty-nine people were taken to local hospitals following the incident at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Splashtown in Spring, the Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office tweeted. Thirty-nine others declined to be taken to a hospital after undergoing decontamination procedures.
Some of those who became sick were children, including a 3-year-old who was hospitalized in stable condition.
The chemicals involved included hypochlorite solution and 35% sulfuric acid, officials said.
A spokesperson for Six Flags issued the following statement saying the park would be closed for the rest of the day "out of an abundance of caution."
"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."
Authorities are investigating the cause of the incident, which they said was contained to one attraction at the park.
"Grateful for the swift action from first responders today at Splashtown," Houston’s chief elected official, Lina Hidalgo, tweeted. "We’ve issued a closure order to investigate and ensure the park meets all requirements before reopening again."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.