Emergency services rushed to the Solent Hotel and Spa in Whiteley, Hampshire, after a chemical accident released chlorine gas, resulting in the evacuation of guests and hospitalisation of 24 individuals, including children.
The incident occurred around 8:45pm when hazardous materials in the spa area reacted, producing chlorine gas. Several guests experienced symptoms such as itchy eyes and breathing difficulties, which led to an urgent emergency call.
Firefighters and ambulance crews from the South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) promptly arrived at the scene. The Hazardous Area Response Team provided breathing apparatus to assist those affected by the gas.
A spokeswoman for Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service explained, “A number of hotel guests had been overcome by fumes in the spa area after two chemicals had accidentally been mixed together and created chlorine gas. Fire crews set up a casualty handling area, delivering emergency care and ventilating the spa with fans to clear the noxious fumes. Gas monitors confirmed the scene was made safe before handing control to hotel management.”
Station Manager Dave Graham described the event as “a large-scale incident” with multiple casualties requiring medical treatment for gas inhalation. SCAS deployed four ambulance officers, eight crews, and a hazardous response team to manage the situation.
An SCAS spokeswoman confirmed that 24 patients, ranging from children to people in their 50s, were treated for breathing problems. Those with non-life-threatening injuries were transported to University Hospital Southampton for further assessment.
The Solent Hotel and Spa remains open for overnight stays and spa breaks despite the incident. On its website, the hotel emphasises that safety is a top priority and that it continues to adhere strictly to government COVID-19 guidelines.
“Whilst many visible signs of our safety measures have now been removed, we want you to feel reassured that your safety and our team member’s safety are of utmost importance,” the hotel states. “We continue to operate in a very safe way – a way which has become the new normal for us and we continue to follow the government guidelines for overnight stays and dining.”
Originally published by UKNIP.
