At least 60 holidaymakers, including British tourists, were taken to hospital after a toxic gas leak at a hotel swimming pool in Benahavís, near Marbella on Spain’s Costa del Sol.
The incident occurred after a fault in the pool’s chemical system reportedly caused chlorine and other harmful gases to be released into the water, exposing guests to dangerous fumes.
According to authorities, a circuit breaker connected to the pump responsible for injecting chlorine and acid into the swimming pool malfunctioned. The fault disrupted the pool’s safety mechanisms while allowing toxic gases to continue escaping into the surrounding area.
Children and elderly guests were among those affected by the incident. Emergency responders treated dozens of people for symptoms consistent with gas poisoning, while those requiring further medical attention were transported to nearby hospitals.
Following the incident, authorities immediately closed and sealed off the swimming pool as investigations into the cause of the leak commenced.
Scientists from a laboratory in Malaga are currently analysing water samples from the pool to determine the exact circumstances that led to the chemical release. Officials have not indicated when the facility will be reopened to guests.
The incident has raised fresh concerns about swimming pool safety and the proper handling of chemical treatment systems at recreational facilities.
The gas leak comes just one day after a similar incident at a swimming pool near Rome, Italy, where eight swimmers, including several children, were reportedly affected by chlorine fumes.
Health experts note that chlorine-related incidents can occur when chlorine concentration and pH levels are not properly regulated. Under such conditions, toxic gases may form, potentially causing breathing difficulties, coughing, eye irritation, throat discomfort, and other respiratory symptoms.
Authorities in Spain are continuing their investigation to establish the precise cause of the malfunction and determine whether any safety regulations were breached.
