Six Flags Waterpark Lawsuit Filed After Kiddie Pool Chemical Leak Causes Injuries
A recently filed lawsuit alleges Six Flags Hurricane Harbor in Texas has failed to notify hundreds of park-goers about a chemical leak into a kiddie pool area, which has caused dozens of visitors to be treated at hospitals for skin irritations, headaches and respiratory issues.
The Six Flags water park lawsuit was filed this week by Amanda Regulus in the Harris County State District Court, claiming the park has withheld information about the kiddie pool chemical leak earlier this month, which allegedly released a high concentration of bleach and sulfuric acid that may pose health risks for visitors.
Local health department reports indicate that around 3:00 pm on July 17, more than 100 individuals at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor may have been exposed to chemicals containing a hypochlorite solution and sulfuric acid, when an unexpected release into the kiddie pool occurred at the Spring, Texas water park.
Regulus’ lawsuit states she and her three daughters visited the water park, and all four were exposed to the chemical release for hours before the park was shut down, so hazmat crews could investigate and decontaminate. Regulus indicates she and her three daughters all experienced skin irritations, sore throats and severe headaches as a result of the exposure to the mix of hypochlorite and sulfuric acid.
The complaint alleges Six Flags delayed the evacuation process after identifying the chemical release, and rather than immediately instructing swimmers to get out of the pool, instead encouraged them to partake in a promotional event before they left.
The lawsuit describes the park’s actions negligent and irresponsible, and notes the release endangered hundreds of park guests, many of whom were children.
Following the incident, Harris County Public Health (HCPHH) officials released a statement indicating at least 60 individuals were exposed to high levels of the chemical mixture, and have ordered Hurricane Harbor Splashtown in Spring to close until it is deemed safe to reopen.
Officials announced that the HCPH Environmental Public Division was actively conducting tests on all of the pool systems and collecting samples to determine the cause of the chemical exposures.
The Local Harris County Fire Marshall’s Office reported at least 31 people were taken to the hospital immediately following the incident while another 55 refused transport. Officials stated all guests impacted by the exposure were decontaminated before being allowed to leave the park.
A spokesperson for Six Flags issued a statement saying “Our team, along with third-party experts, has identified the cause of Saturday’s vapor release, and we are putting solutions in place to avoid a recurrence,” and said additional information would be released as it is identified.