A chlorine leak at a swimming pool in Bhopal on Wednesday evening left a 20-year-old woman with eye and throat irritation and affected more than 20 children, prompting an evacuation and visits to a local hospital.
Incident Details
The incident occurred at the Prakash Tarun Pushkar swimming pool on Link Road No 1 around 5 pm. Swimmers noticed a strong chemical odor, and several began coughing and experiencing breathing difficulties. Parents and pool staff quickly evacuated the pool and took the affected individuals to JP Hospital.
Medical Response
District civil surgeon Dr Sanjay Jain stated that a 20-year-old woman was brought to the hospital around 6 pm with eye and throat irritation after exposure to chlorine. She was treated in the outpatient department and was not admitted. Dr Jain noted that in severe cases, chlorine exposure in water can cause irritant pharyngitis.
Cause of Leak
Pool manager Hemant Jaria explained that the leak resulted from a technical malfunction in the chlorine pipeline, which allowed gas to escape after a rise in air pressure. The affected storage tank was replaced, and the leak was contained.
Expert Recommendations
Experts have previously urged pool operators to maintain correct chlorine levels and advised swimmers to exit the water immediately if they detect a strong chemical smell, eye irritation, or breathing problems.
This incident highlights the importance of proper maintenance and safety protocols in public swimming facilities to prevent chemical exposure accidents.
