29 people taken to hospital after chlorine gas leak at London's Olympic Park pool

29 people taken to hospital after chlorine gas leak at London's Olympic Park pool
March 24, 2022, 8:29 am

Olympic stadium in London, UK (File photo: Pixabay)

The Channel News Asia reporte, UK emergency services said that more than 25 people were taken to hospital on Wednesday (Mar 23) after a leak of a high quantity of chlorine gas at the swimming pool used for the London Olympics.

The London Fire Brigade said that around 200 people had been evacuated after it was called at around 0945 GMT to the east London park, which hosted Summer Olympics events 10 years ago.

London Fire Brigade said in a statement: "Due to a chemical reaction, a high quantity of chlorine gas was released. London Ambulance Service are treating a number of patients."

"While we ventilate the premises we would ask those residents in the immediate vicinity to close doors and windows."

The London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC), which manages the park, said the immediate area had been cordoned off.

Emergency crews and vehicles are pictured outside the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park following a leak of noxious fumes, in London, Britain March 23, 2022. REUTERS/Henry Nicholls

London Ambulance described it as a major incident and said they had sent 13 ambulance crews as well as several other teams in response. Ambulances took 29 patients to hospital and a further 48 were assessed at the scene.

It said in a statement: "The majority of patients were reporting minor breathing difficulties."

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The Aquatics Centre said the gas leak occurred when the facilities management company that operates the plant room took delivery of pool chemicals.

The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park was built for the 2012 Games in London.

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The Aquatics Centre was opened to the public in 2014.

Source: cna

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