At least 17 people are in fair condition at area hospitals after what authorities describe as a chemical leak into the pool at the Garfield Park Aquatic Center on the Indianapolis Southside.
Derrick Seyles of the Indianapolis Fire Department said a chemical known as "magic acid'' inadvertently spilled into the pool a few minutes before 2 p.m. The chemical is one component used to purify pool water.
Indianapolis Fire Department reported too much of the chemical was released when a pump turned of after repairs. The chemical release does not cause burns, but people react as if they were breathing smoke.
People in the pool, including children, were overcome by the effects of the chemical. Their symptoms including coughing and vomiting, Seyles said.
Nine patients were taken to Riley Hospital for Children and five to Wishard Memorial Hospital.
Parents were told to gather in a parking lot north of the aquatic center. 2345 Pagoda Drive, and the park had been evacuated.
Shari Patton, a mother of three children swimming at the center, told Star photographer Michelle Pemberton, "The chlorine, I guess, went through the jets in the pool and when it did, all the acid and ... it just caused one big acid explosion of chlorine pretty much."
Patricia Tanner, another mother of three, was at the pool but not in the water. "I saw some children throwing up."
"All we heard was we heard kids started coughing," Tanner said. "We had smelled a foul smell. It got stronger and stronger."
Another mother, Jamie Rahmany, was in the baby pool with her son when lifeguards came through asking everyone to get out, and Rahmany noticed children coughing. "I just wanted to get to my kids," she said.
The Marion County Medical Multi Agency Coordination Center ranked the event as "Level IV," the highest emergency level. A higher emergency level brings a greater response of emergency personnel and equipment.
The park is being evacuated, according to the Indianapolis dispatch.
Officials are asking that all parents go to the north parking lot, according to Star photographer Michelle Pemberton.
More details to come.
