A leisure centre was evacuated after a chemical leak in a London pool injured nine children and two adults this afternoon.
This was done as a precaution after what was described as an ‘excess chlorine’ release at Vale Farm Sports Centre on Watford Road, Wembley before 1.40pm.
In a statement on its website, it said: ‘Please be aware that Vale Farm Sports Centre is closed due to unforeseen circumstances.’
Exposure to chlorine, which smells similar to bleach, can cause a burning sensation in the eyes, mouth and on skin if even a small amount is inhaled.
At higher volumes, it can cause coughing and breathing difficulties, with a possibility of damage to the lungs.
It can be fatal at high levels of exposure.
Chris Williams, area contract manager for Everyone Active, which operates the centre, said it was evacuated ‘after excess chlorine was released into the pool’.
He said: ‘Some customers were taken to hospital as a precaution, and no colleagues were injured. The incident was isolated to the pool area, but we closed the whole building as a precautionary measure.
‘Safety is our top priority and we are taking this incident very seriously. We are conducting a full investigation into the cause and will implement necessary measures to prevent similar occurrences in future.
‘The centre reopened at 4:00pm today and we plan to reopen the pool at 6:30am tomorrow, after thorough safety checks.
‘We sincerely apologise to all affected customers and will provide an update as soon as we can.’
Members of the hazardous area response team joined ambulance crews at the scene.
One police car and three ambulances were pictured at the location.
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Nine children and two adults were taken to hospital.
A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said: ‘We treated nine children and two adults at the scene before taking them all to hospital.’
Road closures were put in place around the sports centre.
Operated by Everyone Active, also known as Sports and Leisure Management Ltd, on behalf of Brent Council, the sports centre has two pools, along with a 107-station gym and a 36-station women-only gym.
The council is aware of reports of the leak, according to Councillor Neil Nerva, cabinet member of community health and wellbeing.
He said: ‘Everyone Active manages Vale Farm Sports Centre and we are seeking reassurance from them. We are on hand to support in any way we can.’
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