59 Hospitalized After Chlorine Leak at Jeju Luxury Hotel

[Anchor]

Fifty-nine guests and hotel staff were rushed to hospitals after a chlorine gas leak at a popular hotel swimming pool in Jeju. Fire authorities believe the gas was generated due to an improper mix of chemicals while preparing pool disinfectant.

JIBS reporter Kim Jae-yeon has the details.

[Reporter]

An ambulance urgently enters a luxury hotel in Seogwipo.

Upon entering the scene, people can be seen sitting weakly and catching their breath.

Emergency medical personnel are busy moving about at a temporary medical station.

Chlorine gas had leaked from the hotel swimming pool.

The first report was received at around 10:40 AM today (October 1), stating that a smell resembling bleach was coming from various parts of the hotel.

[Hotel Guest: They told us to get out of the pool, so I went out with the kids. But I first thought, why on earth did they use so much bleach in a hotel pool?]

[Hospitalized Hotel Guest: The gas smell spread to the rooms, hallways, and even all the way to the lobby, so I figured we couldn't stay and evacuated outside with my entire family.]

About one hour and 40 minutes after the accident occurred, the initially measured chlorine gas concentration reached a peak of 50 ppm.

It is reported that approximately 380 guests staying at the hotel at the time urgently evacuated outside the building following announcement instructions.

Over 50 patients, including hotel guests and staff who complained of symptoms such as dizziness and vomiting, were transported to various hospitals.

Chlorine gas is a hazardous chemical substance that can cause respiratory distress or lung damage if it affects the corneas and respiratory tract.

[Kang Chang-hwan, Head of Response Team at Seogwipo Fire Station: This was a situation where mixed chlorine gas was generated due to the mistaken replenishment of bleach. We are currently continuously measuring chlorine gas levels in the swimming pool machine room.]

Police and fire authorities are investigating the exact cause of the accident and whether any additional hazardous substances were released.

(Video Journalist: Kang Myung-chul JIBS)

JIBS Kim Jae-yeon
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.