Chemical leak at North Carolina YMCA sends children to hospital
DURHAM, N.C. -- Authorities say dozens of people have been evacuated from a YMCA in North Carolina due to a chemical leak at a pool.
Emergency personnel in North Carolina say it was sodium hypochlorite which leaked at a YMCA, leading to an evacuation and sending six children to area hospitals.
A statement from Durham police says the chemical was released around 2:45 p.m. on Wednesday at the downtown YMCA. A statement from police says six of the 40 children evacuated were taken to local hospitals in serious condition, while 34 children and two adults were treated for non-serious injuries.
According to police, those transported were exhibiting symptoms such as vomiting, respiratory illness, and skin and eye irritation.
Officials told CBS affiliate WNCN-TV that a total of about 35 to 40 children and adults were in the pool at the time of the incident.
Initial reports indicated there was a chlorine leak at the YMCA.
Durham Deputy Fire Chief Chris Iannuzzi said there was a report of a leak in the disinfection system, and a hazardous materials team was on the scene trying to determine how to stop it.
A tent was set up outside the YMCA to evaluate people who may have been overcome by fumes. Children attending day camp at the YMCA were moved to a different branch.