A kids’ swim school in Park Ridge turned into a hazmat scene Thursday afternoon after a mix of pool chemicals reportedly released a dangerous gas inside the building, sending at least five people to area hospitals and forcing an evacuation.
Emergency responders cleared out Goldfish Swim School, treated multiple people outside the facility, and transported several patients for further evaluation. One person chose to head to a hospital on their own. Investigators stayed on site to figure out exactly which chemicals were involved and whether anyone else needed medical checks.
Officials: Initial probe points to mixed chemicals
Park Ridge Deputy Fire Chief Derek Decker said the “initial investigation was a mix of chemicals that released a gas,” and crews evacuated the entire structure while they evaluated people for transport, according to CBS News Chicago. Decker told the station that five people were taken to hospitals and that more might go in after on-site evaluations. Authorities did not immediately release the conditions or ages of those transported.
Where it happened
The incident occurred at Goldfish Swim School’s Park Ridge location at 678 N. Northwest Highway in the Village Green shopping center, according to Goldfish Swim School's Park Ridge page. The franchise focuses on year-round swim lessons for infants and children and lists its address and hours on that site. Fire crews evacuated and ventilated the building while emergency responders and investigators assessed the situation.
Pool chemical risks and public health guidance
Federal health officials warn that when pool chemicals are mishandled, they can produce toxic gas and cause serious injuries. A CDC review found thousands of emergency department visits tied to pool chemical exposures and notes that many of these incidents are preventable, according to the CDC. The agency explains that mixing chlorine products with acids or ammonia can create chlorine or chloramine gases and recommends operator training, proper storage, and never combining incompatible products. When toxic releases occur at public aquatic venues, investigators often scrutinize equipment, feeder systems and storage practices.
Simple steps to reduce risk
Health experts advise pool operators and homeowners to store chemicals in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, open only one product at a time, wear protective gear, and carefully follow product labels and safety data sheets to avoid accidental reactions, per reporting from the Cleveland Clinic. They also caution people never to add water to concentrated chemicals and never to mix different chlorine products or combine chlorine with acid, since these combinations can give off corrosive gases that irritate the respiratory system. If exposure does occur, the advice is to move to fresh air immediately and seek medical help or contact poison control right away.
Investigation ongoing
Officials said fire crews stayed on scene to ventilate and secure the building while investigators worked to determine exactly what happened. Companies at the location helped with the evacuation, CBS News Chicago reported. Authorities have not yet provided additional information about the victims’ conditions or whether any regulatory follow-up is planned. This story will be updated if Park Ridge emergency officials or Goldfish Swim School release new details.
