A dramatic scene unfolded in Long Eaton after 27 people were exposed to “excess chlorine” at a health club’s spa. There was a heavy emergency response outside the Clifford Health Club and Spa in Regent Street on Tuesday (January 7) morning after 10 of the 27 people showed symptoms relating to the exposure.
Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service has said that three people have since been taken to hospital, although their condition is not thought to be serious. A spokesperson for the fire service said: “Emergency services were called to an incident involving a swimming pool at a commercial property on Regent Street, Long Eaton, at 10.27am today.
“27 people have been exposed to excess chlorine in the spa area of the building. Ten of the 27 people were showing symptoms relating to the exposure and were treated at the scene by paramedics.
“Three people have been taken to hospital. None of the symptoms are serious. The Health and Safety Executive have been informed of the incident. Firefighters remain on scene.”
East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) also attended the scene after a caller reported a “medical emergency”. EMAS says it sent two paramedics in two ambulance cars, two crewed ambulances, a Hazardous Area Response Team and a responder from the air ambulance. It added that the patients were transported to Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham.
Residents were quick to send their well wishes to those involved, with Nikki Hall, who has lived on Regent Street for three years, saying she’d “never seen anything like it before.” She added: “It was so strange, I remember putting something in the bin and then I saw a blue light in the corner of my eye.
“The street went from being normal to having countless police, fire engines and ambulances everywhere. I’ve never seen anything like it before, it was such a strange thing to happen. I’m sending my thoughts and prayers to anyone who was involved.”
Another resident who lives on Albert Road, John Paynter, 45, said: “It’s worrying that something like this could happen and – with all the sirens and police – I can only assume that it was a serious incident. It’s a nice town usually but, being near the town centre, it has its troubles at times.
“I just hope no one is seriously hurt and I hope it’s just a freak accident. All they were trying to do was go to the gym.” The health club lies on Regent Street, a narrow road off Market Place that leads to the nearby Oxford Street, both of which are home to multiple small businesses.
The health club issued a statement at around 1.30pm saying the “relevant authorities” have allowed the club to reopen. A spokesperson for the company said: “Pool & Spa Set to reopen. Following an incident this morning during normal pool maintenance the relevant authorities have now given us the ok to safely open the pool and spa.
“We will reopen at 2pm.” The exact circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear.