On July 17, 2021, hundreds of local Houston residents were exposed to toxic chemicals at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Splashtown. The governmental agencies investigating the incident believe the chemicals consisted of sulfuric acid and bleach. By the end of the day, over 30 park visitors were hospitalized within the Memorial Hermann system. Over 50 others were exposed but refused to be taken to the hospital.
The leak appeared to have occurred in or around 2:30 PM near the kiddie area of Splashtown park. A lifeguard became ill followed quickly by children. The injuries included respiratory problems and skin irritation. One three-year-old was hospitalized with severe injuries and is now stable. One woman’s injuries caused her to go into labor.
Although the injuries might now be minor, the long-term effects of such chemical exposure at Splashtown is unknown. According to the Centers for Disease Control, long-term effects of sulfuric acid inhalation include erosion of teeth, chronic skin irritation, and chronic inflammation of the nose, throat, and bronchial tubes. In fact, Houston toxicologist Dr. Noreen Khan-Mayberry stated that some might not have felt any symptoms the day of the chemical leak but will experience irritations a few days later. “If the kid is having a burning throat, a tummy ache, sharp cramps, diarrhea, and you know they were in this pool, you definitely want to follow up with their pediatrician,” she explained. The same goes for rashes or skin conditions. “Sometimes we chalk these symptoms up to nothing, especially when you’re talking about gastrointestinal problems,” Khan-Mayberry said. “You just wouldn’t expect that from a pool.”
Local media has reported that Splashtown’s system that controls the chemicals for the park, such as bleach and sulfuric acid, did not have to warn park visitors or Splashtown staff of an impending chemical leak.
The Potts Law Firm is investigating this incident with full force. The firm has extensive experience in chemical leak cases as well as experience with Splashtown itself. If you or a loved one were present at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Splashtown on July 17, 2021, please contact us immediately. It is extremely important that you speak to an attorney immediately so that your legal rights are preserved.
Contact us online to schedule a consultation or give us a call at (888) 902-6245.