"Even a Baby Vomited"... 40 Grand Josun Jeju Guests Rushed to Hospital

Chlorine gas was generated at the five-star Grand Josun Jeju in Seogwipo, Jeju, operated by Josun Hotels & Resorts, causing 59 guests and employees to show symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.

According to Jeju Special Self-Governing Province and firefighting authorities, the incident occurred at around 1:00 AM today while cleaning the first-floor swimming pool and adding disinfectant. An incorrect mixture ratio led to the generation of chlorine gas, which reportedly spread throughout all floors of the hotel.

As a result of the accident, 59 people including guests, employees, and pool users showed minor symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, vomiting, and headaches.

Relevant agencies including the Navy and Jeju health authorities rushed to the scene to set up a temporary medical station and deploy emergency buses.

A guest surnamed Park, who was using the hotel sauna with family at the time, reported experiencing multiple bouts of vomiting and coughing after inhaling a strong odor, adding that a 3-year-old child and other nearby guests showed similar symptoms.

Park stated, "Tears and runny nose poured out, and even the baby vomited three times," adding, "Guests called 119, and ambulances transported us to nearby hospitals such as Seogwipo Medical Center."

Claims also emerged that the hotel's initial response was inadequate.

Park claimed, "The situation was serious, but the hotel gave no evacuation orders and took no action," adding, "Hotel employees were wearing masks, but masks were not distributed to the guests."

Park also mentioned that although the situation was reported to the hotel lobby, they only received a response that they would look into it.

An official from Josun Hotels & Resorts explained, "At the time of the accident, we made announcements and visited rooms to guide evacuation, but customers in the restrooms or sauna seem not to have heard the broadcasts," adding, "We tried to provide masks in a timely manner, but the scene was very chaotic, so some customers may have been missed."

The official added, "We are checking gas concentrations along with firefighting authorities and will arrange ways to minimize customer inconvenience."

(Photo provided by informant, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.