ANTIOCH (KRON/BCN) — The Antioch Water Park remains closed Friday after about 40 people, mostly children, fell ill from a possible chemical exposure.
The chemical in question is suspected to be chlorine. But the park’s staff is testing the water to find out exactly what led to the illnesses and how the exposure happened, according to a spokeswoman with the city’s Parks and Recreation Department.
The Contra Costa County Environmental Health Department is expected to conduct an inspection of the facility this afternoon, spokeswoman Nancy Kaiser said.
At 2:30 p.m. on Thursday water park staff closed the facility, located at 4701 Lone Tree Way, in response to the chemical malfunction in one of the park’s five swimming pools.
Emergency crews were initially called to the park after a child began complaining of respiratory problems after swimming, according to the Contra Costa Fire Protection District.
At least 10 people were taken to the hospital Thursday following the incident, fire officials said. Some 40 people reported feeling ill.
No word on when the park will reopen.