Chlorine Leak at Sudbury Pool Sends 11 to Hospital
Emergency Rush to Vale Farm Sports Centre
Chaos erupted at the Everyone Active sports centre in Vale Farm, Sudbury, Harrow today after a chlorine leak in the swimming pool. Nine children and two adults were rushed to hospital following the chemical scare. Emergency services, including the London Ambulance Service, London Fire Brigade, and Metropolitan Police, swooped on the scene immediately.
Centre Evacuated, Area Cordoned Off
The youngsters were swimming when alarms sounded. Staff quickly evacuated the entire sports centre as a safety precaution. Police sealed off the surrounding area while hazardous teams assessed the situation. According to the police, the incident was reported at 1:40 PM and road closures remain in place to minimise risk to the public.
Chlorine Gas Dangers Explained
Chlorine gas, known for its bleach-like stench, is highly toxic when inhaled. It irritates the eyes, throat, and lungs, with symptoms worsening depending on exposure time and concentration. Vulnerable groups, such as asthma sufferers, face even greater risks. Fortunately, all affected have been treated on site and taken to hospital for further monitoring.
Vale Farm Facility Under Scrutiny
The popular sports centre—home to two pools and a modern gym—operates under Sports and Leisure Management Ltd, which runs over 220 venues nationwide. Officials are probing the cause of the leak and stressing public safety is paramount. Local residents are anxious due to the centre’s proximity to schools, highlighting the seriousness of the chemical spill.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said: “Police were called at 13:40hrs on Thursday, 29 August to reports of a chlorine leak at a pool in Watford Road, Wembley. Officers, the London Ambulance Service, and the London Fire Brigade are in attendance. The leisure centre has been evacuated as a precaution, and road closures are in place.”
The London Ambulance Service added: “We treated nine children and two adults at the scene before taking them all to hospital.”
Investigations continue as authorities work to secure the facility and determine how the dangerous leak occurred.
