Milne Bay evacuated after patrons react to cleaning solution

In a major update Toowoomba Regional Council have reavealed the true cause behind the hullabaloo that saw an aquatic centre evacuated on Monday night. Update here.

Seven patients, including four children, were assessed and treated by paramedics after a suspected chemical exposure at a Toowoomba aquatic centre on Monday night.

Fire and rescue crews believed the incident was caused by escaped chlorine and managed to secure the area just before 7pm, a Queensland Fire and Emergency Services spokeswoman said.

Remaining crews conducted atmospheric monitoring to ensure the site was fully decontaminated.

Toowoomba Regional Council responded to the reports the incident was the result of a suspected chemical leak, explaining it was an isolation cleaning incident.

Mayor Geoff McDonald said the incident was isolated to the cleaning area and there is no ongoing risk to patrons.

“A minor disinfection incident occurred on Monday evening when a small section of the indoor concourse was cleaned (and) the cleaning disinfectant had a rare reaction with the area being cleaned,” Mr McDonald said.

“Queensland Fire and Emergency Services officers determined that the reaction created a small

volume of chlorine gas, which resulted in several people seeking medical treatment for mild

symptoms.

“Centre staff followed protocols to alert emergency services and followed up with the affected

patrons, the safety and welfare of patrons is the centre’s top priority.”

Mr McDonald said staff ventilated the facility last night and this morning, with council working with the pool operators to ensure there are no further issues.

It is believed the incident occurred sometime before 6pm, after a number of patrons sounded the alarm.

Staff and attendees were evacuated from the facility when emergency crews arrived at Milne Bay Aquatic Centre.

Queensland Ambulance Service said four pediatric patients displaying mild respiratory symptoms were treated, with two being transported to Toowoomba Base Hospital and two by private means.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Service crews are working to determine the cause of a chemical leak at Milne Bay Aquatic Centre that caused the facility to evacuate on Monday, May 19, 2024. Photo: Kevin Farmer

A woman in her 20s presented with mild respiratory symptoms and was transported by private means to Toowoomba Base Hospital.

Another woman in her 20s presented with emotional distress and declined transport.

Emergency crews were called to Milne Bay Aquatic Centre on Monday night after reports a number of people had been affected by an unknown chemical leak. Photo: Kevin Farmer

A woman in her 40s was assessed at a private residence after leaving the initial scene, however declined hospitalisation.