Subsequent to the “inordinate amount of chlorine inadvertently being released into the pool” at Los Angeles County’s Arcadia Park during a public swimming session, seventeen children were taken to local hospitals and another seventeen others were decontaminated this morning. The circumstances surrounding the unnecessary amount of chlorine released is still under investigation.
Fire and rescue and police vehicles surrounded the area shortly before noon, followed by the media, reporting stories on local television, radio, and newspapers.
The Arcadia Police Department, alongside the Fire Department, received a call and responded at approximately 11:20 am concerning a potentially hazardous chemical release into the pool. When the units arrived, the park staff had already evacuated the pool. Paramedics helped to set up a triage area.
About 34 children between the ages of 6 and 11 were treated for chemical exposure, according to Arcadia PD. The remaining children playing at the pool were released to their parents. No serious injuries have been reported, and 16 of the 17 children that were hospitalized have undergone a decontamination and were released after an observation period.
Refer questions to the Fire Department Public Information Officer, Beth Stogner, at (626) 574-5112.