16 Sent to Hospital After Chemical Incident Near Great Wolf Lodge

Let’s face it—when a water park opening makes the headlines, you expect cheerful splashes and squeals of delight, not a chemical mishap that sounds straight out of a Hollywood script. But here we are. If nothing else, this incident near Great Wolf Lodge in Webster, Texas, about 24-25 miles southeast of Houston, is a stark reminder of the hidden dangers one might not expect at a family-centric venue like an indoor water park.

What Happened?

During what might have been a smooth grand opening, an improper chemical mix involving sodium hypochlorite (that’s everyday bleach to you and me) and sulfuric acid released hazardous fumes. The noxious blend led to 16 construction workers being hospitalized.

Who Were Affected?

While it’s common to keep our stress for projects at bay, it became a harsh reality for those unlucky 16 workers. Most of the affected individuals had to be decontaminated on-site before being whisked away to nearby hospitals for further treatment. Seriously, building a water park shouldn’t require hazmat suits!

Swift Response

In an urgent response to the situation, emergency crews dashed to the scene after workers complained of breathing problems. The fire department swiftly isolated the tanks and confirmed that no chemicals had escaped into the hotel or the water attractions.

Official Statements

Webster Fire Chief Dean Spencer addressed the situation after the fact, stating that it had been resolved. “At no time was the hotel or waterpark affected by this event,” he said.

On their part, Great Wolf Lodge emphasized their dedication to health and safety. They thanked the first responders for their work in resolving “an incident at an external building outside of the main indoor water park and resort caused by an external vendor.” They went on to say they got the “all clear” and opened up the establishment as planned.

Root Cause and Investigation

An investigation has been launched to determine what exactly went wrong with the chemical mix, reportedly carried out by a third-party contractor in a separate building.

Lastly, an environmental company has been assigned to manage the cleanup, ensuring that the incident doesn’t leave a lingering mark on the Lodge’s operations.