Dozens treated after chemical leak at Texas water park

Authorities say a chemical leak at a Houston-area water park has left dozens suffering from minor skin irritation and respiratory issues

Texas Amusement Park Chemical Leak (Houston Chronicle)

A chemical leak at a Houston-area water park left dozens suffering from minor skin irritation and respiratory issues Saturday, authorities said.

Twenty-nine people were taken to local hospitals following the incident at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Splashtown in Spring, the Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office tweeted. Thirty-nine others declined to be taken to a hospital after undergoing decontamination procedures.

The chemicals involved included hypochlorite solution and 35% sulfuric acid, officials said.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the incident, which they said was contained to one attraction at the park. In the meantime, the county has ordered the park to be closed.

“Grateful for the swift action from first responders today at Splashtown,” Houston’s chief elected official, Lina Hidalgo, tweeted. “We’ve issued a closure order to investigate and ensure the park meets all requirements before reopening again.”