Around 40 adults and children have been treated in hospital for breathing difficulties following a chemical leak in a swimming pool at a holiday park in Norfolk. Emergency services were called to Wild Duck holiday park in Belton, near Great Yarmouth, at 2.31pm on Sunday after a suspected leak was detected.
Medics from the East of England ambulance service (EEAS) assessed 38 patients at the park, of which 29 were taken to James Paget hospital and Ipswich hospital for further monitoring. Ten others, described as being of “low acuity”, were on their way to Norfolk and Norwich university hospital, NNUH confirmed.
The EEAS described the 38 patients it treated as “a mixture of children and adults”. Tom Cassidy, a spokesman for Haven Holidays which operates the park, said a three-year-old and a member of staff were among the casualties. Police said none of the patients were thought to be in a serious condition.
Norfolk fire and rescue service said its vehicles, including an environmental protection unit, had attended a chlorine leak. The scene at the park, which is set within trees and lakes in a forest, was evacuated and a 20-metre cordon put in place.
Norfolk constabulary said in a statement: “Around 40 people have been taken to hospital to be treated for difficulties with breathing. None of the injuries are thought to be serious.”
Supt Roger Wiltshire added: “The incident was quickly contained and the site has now been declared safe by Norfolk fire and rescue service … There is no further risk to those staying on the site or to anyone living locally.”
An NNUH spokeswoman said: “We can confirm that 10 casualties are on their way to the Norfolk and Norwich university hospital. The A&E department are prepared and will deal with each case accordingly.”
