A terrifying private pool accident earlier this month had dozens of victims (mostly children) being treated for exposure to toxic chemicals. The pool, a public pool owned and operated by a pool “club” was hosting swimming lessons for children when an equipment malfunction sent gallons of a reactive chemical into the water. The volatile muriatic acid reacted with the chlorine disinfectant in the pool already and created a cloud of toxic gas.
Parents rushed to get their children out of the pool and out of the building as swim instructors began shouting for an immediate evacuation.
These two chemicals, when mixed together, create a potentially lethal gas that can instantaneously cause severe respiratory distress. Indeed, several of the victims were actually rushed to a nearby hospital to be treated for exposure. If caught soon enough, the harmful effects of this toxic gas can be mitigated and any damage done to the lungs and bronchial tubes will likely heal by itself. Thankfully, the swimming instructors spotted the issue almost immediately and were able to get everybody out of the water within seconds.
Investigators are now examining the pool equipment in an attempt to pinpoint the defect (be it mechanical or digital) that created the release of chemicals while the pool was occupied.
Pool clubs must properly maintain their operations and keep their pools in good repair Pool owners also have the obligation to inspect the equipment and keep the pool in a reasonably safe condition. In this particular case, the pool club will have to answer for the mishap and may be held liable for any injuries, medical expenses and lost time from work incurred by the victims and their families.
If you or a loved one has been injured while swimming in a private or public pool, contact an experienced pool accident attorney in New York City today to speak about your case confidentially. Call the Law Offices of Nussin S. Fogel at 800-734-9338 or 212-385-1122 right now.