A chemical leak at a water park called ‘Zehnder’s Splash Village’ in Frankenmuth, Michigan led to five people being hospitalized Tuesday morning, according to local fire officials.
The leak occurred on the Tantrum Twist Family Raft Ride around 11:21 a.m. when a malfunction in the chlorine feeding system caused an excessive concentration of the chemical. Fire Chief Phillip Kerns reported that five guests were treated at the scene before being transported to a nearby hospital for chemical inhalation.
Emergency crews, including the Saginaw County HAZMAT team, remained on-site into the afternoon to monitor chemical levels. Kerns noted that the affected area’s open roof helped disperse the fumes, preventing further harm. The children’s section of the water park and the connected hotel were not impacted.
Zehnder’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing, John Shelton, confirmed that the park will reopen today, with the exception of the raft ride, which will resume operations on Wednesday after a 24-hour system refill.
A chemical leak in a water park can pose serious health risks to visitors and staff. Exposure to chlorine or other pool chemicals can cause respiratory issues such as difficulty breathing, coughing, and throat irritation. In severe cases, high levels of chlorine gas may lead to chest tightness and lung damage.
Direct contact with contaminated water often results in skin irritation, burning sensations, and rashes, while the eyes may become red, swollen, and painful. Ingesting tainted water can lead to gastrointestinal problems, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and severe stomach cramps.
Long-term exposure to certain chemicals may contribute to chronic respiratory conditions like asthma, and some industrial-grade substances could contain carcinogens that pose even greater health risks over time. Additionally, certain pool chemicals are highly reactive and may cause fires or explosions if mixed improperly, creating further dangers, especially in poorly ventilated areas where toxic fumes can accumulate.
