Toxic gas leak at Spanish hotel, at least 60 tourists in hospital with poisoning

At least 60 holidaymakers, including British tourists, were taken to hospital after a toxic gas leak at a hotel swimming pool in Spain's Costa del Sol, authorities said. The incident occurred at an unnamed hotel in Benahavis, near Marbella, after a malfunction in the pool's chemical system reportedly released hazardous fumes.

According to regional officials cited by local media, the incident was caused when a circuit breaker on the pressure pump that injects chlorine and acid into the swimming pool tripped.

The malfunction caused the pool's pH and chlorine systems to stop working while other gases continued to be released, exposing swimmers to toxic fumes.

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Children, elderly among those affected

Children and elderly guests were among those who required medical attention, according to reports. British tourists were also among those affected by the incident.

Following the leak, the hotel sealed off the swimming pool, citing "maintenance reasons," while experts from a public health laboratory conducted tests to determine the cause and extent of the contamination.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, and it remains unclear when the pool will reopen.

Similar chlorine incidents raise safety concerns

The incident comes just a day after eight swimmers, including several children, were poisoned by chlorine fumes at a swimming pool in Mentana, near Rome, Italy.

A five-year-old boy was left fighting for his life, while four other children aged between 10 and 15 also required medical treatment after suffering symptoms such as burning eyes, throat irritation, coughing and breathing difficulties. Around 50 people were evacuated from the sports club following the leak.

The latest accident also recalls a major chlorine leak at the Sea Club Hotel in Majorca in July 2022, where more than 20 people, including children, suffered symptoms such as vomiting, skin irritation and itching. Some victims were treated with oxygen at the hotel before being taken for further medical care.