Nine people were injured yesterday by an accidental chemical reaction in the indoor swimming pool of Tàrrega, in an incident that forced the evacuation of sixty users and workers from the Complex Piscines and the annexed gym. The incident occurred around 10:50 hours during the water treatment.
The reaction was triggered when 50 liters of chlorine were mixed with 400 of hydrochloric acid, which generated a toxic cloud inside the facility. The episode mobilized emergency services and forced the immediate evacuation of the affected area.
Evacuation of users and care for the injured
Six of those affected suffered minor injuries. Three were treated on site and another three had to be transferred to the CAP. In addition, three people were evacuated to the Arnau de Vilanova hospital in Lleida with respiratory difficulties and after receiving oxygen administration.
The Bombers deployed eight units, among them the specialized unit GRIT, the Technological Incident Support Group, to control the situation and work in an environment with the presence of dangerous substances.
"An exothermic reaction has occurred when discharging chlorine into a wrong tank, which contained hydrochloric acid, and this has generated a toxic cloud with elevated levels of dangerousness" - Gabriel Cogolludo, territorial deputy chief of the Bombers in Lleida
Pre-alert of the Procicat due to chemical contamination
Protecció Civil activated the pre-alert of the Procicat plan due to chemical contamination. During the intervention, the emergency teams focused their efforts on getting people out of the premises and assisting those who showed effects from inhalation.
"The evacuation and care for affected people have been prioritized" - Gabriel Cogolludo, territorial deputy chief of the Bombers in Lleida
The mayor of Tàrrega, Rosa Maria Perelló, attributed the origin of the incident to a human error during the handling of the products used in water treatment.
"Due to an unfortunate human error, chlorine has been mixed into the hydrochloric acid tank, which has caused a chemical reaction" - Rosa Maria Perelló, mayor of Tàrrega
Facilities closed at least until Sunday
After the incident, the sports area was closed and will remain closed at least until Sunday night. The closure affects the indoor pool and the rest of the evacuated spaces while it is ensured that conditions are safe again for users and workers.