Five workers were hospitalized after two cleaning chemicals were mixed at a spa in Brooklyn (NYC).
Authorities said 20 people were inside the “World Spa” on McDonald Avenue shortly after 10 p.m. Wednesday when the emergency happened. The massive 50,000-square-foot luxury spa, open just four months ago, was immediately evacuated and closed all day yesterday.
Employees accidentally mixed two cleaning agents that apparently shouldn’t be mixed, creating a noxious cloud of chlorine, authorities said.
The unidentified workers were quickly affected by the chlorine vapors and experienced symptoms such as dizziness and shortness of breath. They were transported to Coney Island Hospital in stable condition.
The FDNY left the doors of the World Spa open early Thursday morning to air out the space after the dangerous HAZMAT (hazardous materials) situation, it reported. ABC News.
World Spa issued the following statement: “Due to the strict health and safety protocols we have in place, we acted quickly, contacting all relevant authorities to assess and address the situation. Our team fully cooperated with the emergency services to ensure that all affected personnel received the necessary medical attention. The incident occurred after the spa had been closed and no clients were affected. Upon inspection, all agencies determined it was safe to reopen the spa.”