Carlton Meres Holiday Park chemical leak sparks panic as two children rushed to hospital
TWO children have been rushed to hospital after a serious chemical leak at a swimming pool at a holiday park in Suffolk.
Another two children and two adults were treated by paramedics after the leak at Carlton Meres Holiday Park. Swimmers complained of breathing difficulties at the pool, which first prompted the alarm.
Ambulance and six fire crews were called to the incident at about 3pm yesterday, with medics attending to the six people in need of medical attention.
A Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said fire crews found there had been a leak of sodium hypochlorite - a commonly used pool cleaner.
They said the area where the leak took place has been ventilated and is now undergoing a dry decontamination.
A spokesman for Park Holidays said: "We are currently undertaking an internal investigation at Carlton Meres Holiday Park as to how a small quantity of excess chlorine was discharged into the park's swimming pool whilst it was in use by holiday guests.
"The amount introduced into the water is not believed to have been sufficient to have posed any serious risk to those present."
The spokesman said the children were taken to hospital for assessment as "a precautionary measure."
He added: "We are sorry for any distress caused to those involved and for the interruption made to guests' holidays."
The pool at the Suffolk holiday resort only opened last year, following a £2.5million redevelopment.
The site features a crazy golf course, which opened Easter 2020, and a newly refurbished clubhouse which include a restaurant and other leisure facilities.
It also has a gym, an adventure playground and amusement arcade.
The website says: “With its well-stocked fishing lakes, tranquil location and abundance of leisure facilities, Carlton Meres Holiday Park is an ideal place for your family holiday.
“Carlton Meres also has much to offer lovers of natural beauty, and boasts a wealth of wildlife in its ancient woodland setting.”
Carlton Meres is part of Park Holidays UK which has 31 holiday parks across southern England.