Chemical spill at Cypress Gardens sends 5 to hospital

Friday, September 11, 2009

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The chemical spill sent five people to the hospital.

POLK COUNTY (Bay News 9) -- A chemical spill at an amusement park has sent several people to the hospital.

According to reports, several gallons of sodium hypochloride mixed with sulfuric acid leaked onto the concrete at the Splash Islands Water Park in Winter Haven's Cypress Gardens. The chemicals are used to treat pools.

The concrete was hot and there was little wind to dissipate the vapors that came off the liquid, and about two dozen people ended up inhaling the fumes.

Five people were taken to a local hospital after they complained of headaches, difficulty breathing and burning throats.

The park entrance was closed while public safety officers stopped the leak. The park entrance has since been reopened.

The water park was closed at the time of the accident.

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