What should have been a “great adventure” at a Six Flags water park in Texas turned toxic Saturday.
Dozens of people suffered skin irritation and breathing problems after a chemical leak at the Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Splashtown in the Houston-area, officials said.
At least 26 people were taken to a hospital for decontamination, and 39 others were also affected but refused to be transported, according to the Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office.
The incident was contained to one attraction, and the chemical combination involved was believed to be sulfuric acid and bleach, fire officials said on Twitter.
The county’s HAZMAT team and pollution control department were assisting local fire officials.
“No indication of air quality or chemical leaks in the surrounding area at this time but please avoid the area if possible,” Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo tweeted.
One parkgoer told KHOU that she was at a kiddie pool with her children when they began experiencing a “burning” sensation.
“I just kept wondering why it was burning,” she said, adding that her kids now “seem to be OK.”
The amusement park was closed after the 2:30 p.m. incident as workers investigated, Six Flags officials said in a statement, according to the report.
“The safety of our guests and team member is always our highest priority and the park was immediately cleared as we try to determine a cause,” the statement said.
The misadventure comes three days after two people were hospitalized when a water ride at New Jersey’s Six Flags Great Adventure malfunctioned.