MMC responds to Zoo Lake Swimming Pool incident
ZOO LAKE – The MMC explains what happened when around 20 children inhaled hydrochloric acid fumes at a public pool.
Johannesburg Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Development, Nonhlanhla Sifumba said the incident that left about 20 children hospitalised on 10 December was an ‘act of nature’.
This after they inhaled hydrochloric acid fumes at the Zoo Lake swimming pool after the wind blew in the direction of the children, carrying the fumes their way, according to Sifumba.
Read UPDATE: 33 children in hospital after inhaling fumes at Zoo Lake swimming pool
“The toxic fumes came from a drain situated outside the swimming pool parameter,” she said. “The poisonous emissions spread towards the swimming pool direction where the children were situated at the time. No chemicals were poured into our swimming pool, as a result the water was not contaminated.”
She added that it must be noted that there was no negligence on the part of the pool’s officials in this instance. Sifumba said it was regrettable that some officials were said to have been assaulted, and part of the facility was damaged after a riot allegedly broke out at the pool and parents allegedly started throwing stones at pool management.
“Parkview police were called to the scene by a concerned resident who said there was a parent throwing stones at the pool management because of the fumes. However, upon arrival, police found the scene calm as the parent had left,” said Captain Tintswalo Sibeko, spokesperson for the Parkview Police Station.
Sifumba said that all the children have been discharged from hospital.
Ward 117 councillor Tim Truluck weighed in and alleged that it was long-standing apathy on the City’s part. “For years and years the facility has been neglected by the City, it is in dire need of maintenance and an upgrade. I can say that it was an official trying to unblock a drain at the pool and that official used the acid,” he alleged.
Read Noise from Zoo Lake concert angers nearby residents
A source, who wished to remain anonymous for safety reasons, said after speaking to a few people who were at the scene, it appeared that the toilet drain at the pool was blocked and that was when hydrochloric acid was apparently poured down the drain to unblock it. The source further stated that it was thenr that the fumes blew towards the children in the pool.
Athlenda Mathe spokesperson for Netcare911 said, “The ages of the children varied between five and 18 years old. Reports from the scene indicated that the children showed symptoms of respiratory distress.”
Netcare911 paramedics were the first to arrive on-scene together with police. They worked alongside paramedics from various emergency services. The Johannesburg Fire Department also assisted. Netcare911 transported about 12 children to a nearby hospital including a four-month-old baby. The other children were transported to the hospital by other emergency services.
The pool has since been reopened.
Add us on Whatsapp for the latest news by adding 079 4395 345 to your contact list and just send your name and surname to us so we can save your number. Click here to find out more about our Whatsapp policy.
