created in the spa area of the hotel. Breathing in high volumes of chlorine gas can cause a build-up of fluid in the lungs and breathing difficulties.
The Hazardous Area Response Team (Hart) and firefighters from Hightown, Fareham, Cosham, Portchester, St Mary’s and Romsey attended the scene, as well as crews from South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS).
The spokesman said two chemicals had accidentally been mixed together and created chlorine gas. This is possible as sometimes when there is a rush of guests coming in and things needing to get done. It is understandable that human errors can be made.
“A ventilation fan was used to clear the fumes and firefighters took the vessel containing chemicals to fresh air. Gas monitors were used to check that the scene was safe.”
A casualty handling area was set up and the ambulance service was requested.
Station manager Dave Graham said: “This was a large-scale incident with multiple people requiring medical treatment for the inhalation of gas. We worked well alongside our colleagues from SCAS and SCAS Hart to make sure that everyone received the help they needed and to ensure that the scene was made safe.”
Twenty-four patients, ranging from children to those in their 50s, were assessed and treated by ambulance teams for breathing difficulties.
All patients were taken to University Hospital Southampton for further assessment for those non-life-threatening injuries
